Billy Porter reveals his Fairy Godmother to Camila Cabello’s Cinderella will be genderless

Whoever said that Cinderella is an outdated fairy tale is going to need to clear their schedule on February 5 next year, because it sounds like the musical adaptation starring Camila Cabello is ready to redefine genre and gender.  According to Billy Porter, the legendary performer who co-stars with Cabello, his portrayal of the title character’s Fairy Godmother will be genderless.In a new interview with CBS News, Porter explained that this take on the Fairy Godmother is unlike anything fans have ever seen, despite being played by so many iconic actresses (RIP Whitney Houston). “It hit me when I was on set last week, how profound it is that I am playing the Fairy Godmother—they call it the Fab G,” he told the publication. “Magic has no gender. We are presenting this character as genderless, at least that’s how I’m playing it. It’s really powerful.”

This Cinderella is a classic fairytale for a new generation. To be able to play this genderless, fabulous fairy godmother - what a gift. Thank you @CBSNews for sitting down with me and catching up about the role❤️ https://t.co/PgVwnhdthI pic.twitter.com/DZNBmRS3CK

— Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) March 3, 2020

This isn’t the first time Porter has been a leader in redefining traditional gender stereotypes or breaking down walls in terms of gender fluidity. Who could forget that history-making black tuxedo-gown he wore on the 2019 Oscars red carpet (he’s worn plenty of buzz-worthy looks since), or his equally historic win at the 2019 Emmys when he became the first openly gay black male to take home a trophy for a leading role? And then there are all of the conversations he has started via his Pray Tell character on FX’s Pose; this Cinderella role just seems like a natural next step to fighting his good fight of love and equal representation.[video_embed id='1858918']RELATED: A look back at the best celeb fashion from 2019[/video_embed]Cinderella is scheduled to hit theatres on February 5 next year. Cabello plays the title character in the star-studded musical, with Idina Menzel on board as the stepmother, and James Corden and John Mulaney signed up as two of the mice (Corden as Gus-Gus? Yes please!). Charlotte Spencer (Sanditon) and Maddie Baillio (Dumplin’) will play step-sisters Drizella and Anastasia.“[This is] a classic fairy tale for a new generation,” Porter continued in the interview. “I think the new generation is really ready. The kids are ready. It’s the grownups that are slowing stuff down.”The 50-year-old also reflected on his own career in the interview, going all the way back to his own game-changing (and Tony-winning) role as Lola on Broadway’s Kinky Boots. According to him, it was that role that really made him begin to question his own perceptions of masculinity as a black man, and it was through the stage that he realized wearing “female clothing” actually made him feel stronger."Playing that role made me feel grounded and more powerful. Putting on those heels, putting on those dresses, putting on those wigs, made me feel more powerful, grounded and — dare I say — masculine, than I've ever felt in my whole life,” he said. “It never occurred to me, though, in that process [of doing Kinky Boots] that I would carry that energy into my own life by challenging gender norms and gender stereotypes with my clothing. That came two years after I left the show.”Considering that, fans are just as excited to see what kind of look Porter will help bring to the Fab-G role as they are to see how he’ll play it. After all, it’s Billy Porter’s world, and we’re just living in it.[video_embed id='1914454']Before you go: Shawn Mendes threw Camila a surprise Cinderella-themed bday party[/video_embed]