‘Downton Abbey’ season 4: Who is hoping for a glass slipper?

Is there another “Downton Abbey” star with some feature-film aspirations? We’ve already seen both Dan Stevens and Jessica Brown Findlay leave the ITV series in order to pursue careers in the movies, and while there is no indication that something similar is happening here, at least one the show’s stars is looking at some roles that exist out there beyond the television medium.

According to a report from Deadline, Lily James, who is a newly-named series regular for season 4 in the role of Rose, is one of three actresses in consideration right now for the new Disney adaptation of “Cinderella” director by “Thor’s” Kenneth Branagh. James is up against Bella Heathcoate (“Dark Shadows”) and former “Pan Am” star Margot Robbie for the leading role, and it is believed that there are no serious outside contenders for the part right now. This news comes after “Harry Potter” star Emma Watson turned down the gig.

So could this casting (if it happens) impact James’ participation in “Downton Abbey”? Probably not, as schedules could be arranged to do both projects; not only that, but she could still work on a potential fifth season if all of the cards are played right.

This is certainly not the first time that an actress on the show was the target of casting rumors, as at one point prior to Sybil’s death Jessica Brown Findlay was rumored to be joining the upcoming “Captain America” movie along with “Game of Thrones” actress Emilia Clarke. (“Game of Thrones” has a “Downton Abbey” alum itself on board in Rose Leslie.)

Do you think it is great validation for “Downton Abbey” that so many actors and actresses are in consideration for other work? If you want to read some more news about how Findlay’s friends reacted to her leaving the show, you can do so over here.

Photo: ITV