Amy Adams as Giselle in Enchanted: How She Became Disney’s Perfect Princess

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Amy Adams had her first major success as a leading lady in Enchanted, a 2007 American musical fantasy romantic comedy film. She played the role of Giselle, a singing and dancing princess-to-be who almost makes her dream of meeting her prince a reality.

In September 1997, Disney’s Touchstone Pictures and Sonnenfeld/Josephson Productions bought the initial script of Enchanted for a reported $450,000. Disenchanted, a sequel to the 2007 film Enchanted, was released in 2022.

Amy Adams on the set of Enchanted in May 2006, preparing for her role as GiselleAmy Adams on the set of Enchanted in May 2006, preparing for her role as Giselle (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / WENN / Patricia Schlein / Starbux)

Disney considered offering the role of Giselle to Kate Hudson or Reese Witherspoon but agreed to give Adams the part thanks to her Oscar-nominated supporting performance in the 2005 American comedy-drama film Junebug.

Amy Adams attends the Los Angeles premiere of Enchanted at the El Capitan Theatre on November 16, 2007, in a stunning white gown adorned with floral embellishmentsAmy Adams attends the Los Angeles premiere of Enchanted at the El Capitan Theatre on November 16, 2007, in a stunning white gown adorned with floral embellishments (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / WENN / Patricia Schlein / Starbux)

Why Amy Adams Was the Perfect Choice for Giselle

One of 250 actresses who auditioned for the high-profile part, director Kevin Lima told MovieMaker Magazine why he wanted Amy Adams to play the highly optimistic and joyous Disney Princess.

My first conversations with the studio had to do with the esthetic of casting a star verses an unknown, or in Amy’s case (she hadn’t been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Junebug when I first met her) a relative newcomer. My thought was that I wanted the audience to experience Giselle’s purity of heart unhampered by the personal life of the actress playing her. I felt that the character should live first.

I had seen probably 250 girls by the time Amy walked into her audition. I was sick as a dog, with a high fever, on that day, [but] Amy walked into the room and for the next 45 minutes, I forgot I was ill. From the moment I first laid eyes on her, I was struck by how much she looks like a Disney princess, her round eyes and fair skin. But looking like a princess was but a scratch on the surface of what she brought into the room that day. Her commitment to the character, her ability to escape into the character’s being without ever judging the character was overwhelming. Honestly, I knew in that moment that I could make the film I was envisioning.

The discussions with the studio after that audition were quite easy: Amy’s audition tape was all that was needed to convince them that Giselle had arrived.

Amy Adams takes a break on the set of Enchanted, sitting in her director's chair while preparing for her role as GiselleAmy Adams takes a break on the set of Enchanted, sitting in her director’s chair while preparing for her role as Giselle (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / WENN / Patricia Schlein / Starbux)

Behind the Scenes of ‘Enchanted’: Filming in New York City

Filming commenced on location in New York City in May 2006, when Amy was 31 years old. She turned 32 on August 20, 2006. The film premiered on October 20, 2007, at the London Film Festival when she was 33.

Amy Adams’ Singing Talent Shines in ‘Enchanted’

One of Amy’s first stage roles was in a community theater production of Annie. With a background in musical theater, it should be no surprise that she sang herself.

Amy sang three songs for the film’s soundtrack—”True Love’s Kiss”, “Happy Working Song”, and “That’s How You Know”.

Amy Adams Stuns at the ‘American Hustle’ Premiere

In December 2013, Amy Adams looked hot and elegant at the Los Angeles premiere of her latest movie, American Hustle, at the Directors Guild of America.

Amy Adams wears her hair down at the premiere of "American Hustle"Amy Adams wears her hair down at the premiere of “American Hustle” held December 3, 2013, at Directors Guild Theatre in Los Angeles (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / WENN / Patricia Schlein / Starbux)

In the 2013 American crime film directed by David O. Russell, she portrays Sydney Prosser/Lady Edith Greensly (based on Evelyn Knight).

Amy Adams wears a David Koma dress at the premiere of "American Hustle"Amy Adams wears a David Koma dress at the premiere of “American Hustle” (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / WENN / Patricia Schlein / Starbux)

The “Junebug” actress was spotted wearing a black-and-white neoprene-and-jersey striped dress from David Koma. Its square-cut bodice gave us a peek of Amy’s side boob, and its sheer-paneled skirt displayed the actress’s legs.

Amy Adams wears a David Koma dress to the premiere of "American Hustle"Amy Adams wears a David Koma dress to the premiere of “American Hustle” (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / WENN / Patricia Schlein / Starbux)

Amy completed her look with Christian Louboutin pumps from the designer’s Fall 2013 collection.

These pointed-toe Louboutins, called “Body Strass,” are made from sheer mesh material. They feature leather trimming and shimmering mini crystals.

Amy Adams's feet in Christian Louboutin pumpsAmy Adams’s feet in Christian Louboutin pumps (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / WENN / Patricia Schlein / Starbux)

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