Chad Michael Murray expresses his interest in reprising his role as Austin Ames in a hypothetical sequel to A Cinderella Story. Released in 2004, the film starred Murray alongside Hilary Duff in a modern reimagining of the classic fairy tale. Set in a high school environment, the movie follows Sam Montgomery (Duff), an ambitious teenager who dreams of escaping her oppressive step-family, and Austin, a popular football player who connects with her anonymously through text messages before discovering her true identity.
In a recent interview with Elle, Murray reflected on the enduring popularity of his character and shared his thoughts about a potential Cinderella Story sequel that explores what Austin’s life might look like years after the events of the original. While no official plans for this sequel have been announced, Murray’s reflections raise questions about whether it is possible. Check out what he said about a Cinderella Story sequel below:
People bring up Austin Ames all the time, and I would love to revisit him. I feel like we see a lot of films with an unrealistic conclusion, where all of a sudden it’s a happily ever after. But as [Hilary Duff’s character] Sam says at the end of the movie, she’s only in high school. What if it didn’t work out between her and Austin? Maybe they went their separate ways in college, she got married and had kids, and he went off to be a writer, which didn’t work out. Now he’s a high school English teacher, and he has to revisit this whole thing because her daughter is in his class. I could come up with ten more versions, but to revisit that movie would be a total nostalgia fest for so many romantics out there.
What This Means For Early 2000s Nostalgia
Studios Are Seeing The Value In Early 2000s Franchises
Murray’s remarks underline the continued relevance of early 2000s teen films. A Cinderella Story stood out for its relatable characters and optimistic themes, and these qualities have allowed it to maintain its appeal years after its release. The film’s popularity speaks to the impact of its story and characters, and a potential sequel would not only reconnect with an established audience who grew up with the original, but also provide an opportunity to introduce an updated story to a new generation.
Moreover, a potential Cinderella Story sequel could provide an opportunity to revisit and further develop the original film’s key themes, such as resilience and ambition, by exploring how these concepts evolve in adulthood. Such a direction could appeal to new audiences interested in similar themes of personal development and overcoming obstacles.
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Currently, Hollywood’s trend of reboots and sequels demonstrates the value of revisiting these familiar stories. Projects such as The Princess Diaries 3 and the live-action reboot of How to Train Your Dragon highlight how production companies are leveraging popular franchises to connect with both established and newer audiences. Murray himself is also contributing to this ongoing trend, as he is currently working on the Freaky Friday sequel alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. A continuation of A Cinderella Story could follow suit and create a bridge between nostalgia and contemporary storytelling, if handled with care.
Our Take On Revisiting Austin Ames
A Cinderella Story Sequel Could Be Worthwhile
Murray’s interest in revisiting A Cinderella Story emphasizes its continued cultural impact, even a little over two decades later. While the original film provided a complete and charming story, its characters evolving as adults in a sequel could offer nuanced insights and meaningful connections for its viewers. Revisiting Austin Ames, along with the rest of the characters, would be an opportunity to explore familiar themes from a modern perspective and add depth to the story while still honoring its nostalgic influence.
Source: Elle
A Cinderella Story is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale, focusing on a high school girl who faces hardships from her stepmother and stepsisters while finding solace through an online romance. Set in a contemporary American high school, the film explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the quest for true love amidst challenging circumstances.
- Director
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Mark Rosman
- Release Date
-
July 16, 2004
- Writers
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Leigh Dunlap
- Cast
-
Hilary Duff
, Chad Michael Murray
, Jennifer Coolidge
, Dan Byrd
, Regina King
, Julie Gonzalo
, Lin Shaye
, Madeline Zima
, Andrea Avery
, Mary Pat Gleason
, Paul Rodriguez
, Whip Hubley
, Kevin Kilner
, Erica Hubbard
, Simon Helberg
, Brad Bufanda
, J. D. Pardo
, Aimee-Lynn Chadwick
, Kady Cole
, Hannah Robinson - Character(s)
-
Sam Montgomery
, Austin Ames
, Fiona
, Carter Farrell
, Rhonda
, Shelby Cummings
, Mrs. Wells
, Brianna
, Gabriella
, Eleanor
, Bobby
, Sam’s Dad
, Austin’s Dad
, Madison
, Terry
, David
, Ryan
, D.J.
, Caitlyn
, Young Sam - Runtime
-
96 minutes
