Cate Blanchett in talks to play villain in Disney's new 'Cinderella'?

Cate Blanchett  is in contention to appear in Disney's planned Cinderella movie.

The Hobbit actress has entered negotiations to play the evil stepmother in the studio's untitled Cinderella story, reports The Wrap.

Disney could not be reached for comment on the rumours.

The live-action project is to be directed by Mark Romanek (Never Let Me Go). while Simon Kinberg (Elysium, X-Men) will produce.

The script has been written by Chris Weitz (American Reunion, The Twilight Saga: New Moon), with the initial pitch and draft made by Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada).

Disney released a live-action retelling of Alice in Wonderland starring Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska in 2010. 

It is also distributing a live-action take on the Sleeping Beauty story titled Maleficent, which will be told from the wicked fairy's point of view.

Maleficent, which stars Angelina Jolie in the title role and Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora, is due for release in spring 2014.

Walt Disney Studios released an animated version of Cinderella in 1950.