Actress Lily James will play the role of Cinderella in Disney's upcoming live-action reboot of the age-old and popular animated movie. The 25-year-old actress thinks that her portrayal of Lady Rose MacClare on the British period drama television series 'Downton Abbey' on ITV has helped her to get the role.

Latin Post reports that to numerous fans of 'Downton Abbey,' James is Lady Rose, the immature but beloved cousin of Lord and Lady Grantham. Nevertheless, as she takes on the new role, James will be known as Cinderella.

Meanwhile, Toronto Sun reports that James believes that she would not have gotten the role if she had not put up a wonderful performance as Lady Rose in 'Downton Abbey.' Talking about her participation in 'Downton Abbey,' James said, "It just has changed everything in a way."

James went on to explain, "Not in ways that people would expect, like lifestyle or being recognized because that's not what I really get, especially in England. But it's changed my life in that I really, really don't think I would have gotten Ella (in 'Cinderella') without having done 'Downton.' That show enabled me to be seen more -and that's all you really want as an actor, to be able to be seen for stuff. So I'm grateful."

However, the upcoming live-action 'Cinderella' will be different from the classic animated film, but have all the same characters. In fact, Director Kenneth Branagh has preserved a classic visual while doing up the themes to ensure that they draw a parallel more with modern times.

According to Branagh, the reboot permits them to "to present a strong and empowered woman at the centre of it" who is free to make her own choices.

Prince Charming portrayed by 'Game of Thrones' star Richard Madden also has a bigger role in the movie.

Her success notwithstanding, the film is likely to open new doors for James, but she will soon be returning to 'Downton Abbey.' James told Radio Times that now Lady Rose is married to Atticus Aldridge, and has gone to America.

She said, "I hope to be doing the next series if it happens, for sure," adding, "You never know what Julian's going to write. ... I'm obsessed with 'Downton,' and I love playing Lady Rose so if there's another series next year I hope to be in it."