MINNIE DRIVER

The Speechless star and Oscar-nominated actress for Good Will Hunting, 51, gets royal as Queen Beatrice in the new modern musical spin on Cinderella, starring Camila Cabello as the young princess (Sept. 3 on Amazon Prime). As Cinderella struggles to make her dreams come true, the queen steps in to help her find happiness.

Why does the Cinderella story keep getting retold?

Because fairy tales are part of our culture. This is a very female-driven, new way of telling the Cinderella story. And the story itself is so ingrained and it’s so wonderful, I don’t think anybody is ready to give it up.

In past versions, the queen hasn’t had much to say, but in this one she’s a very strong woman.

She plays the role of consort to the king [Pierce Brosnan], who’s a bit of a narcissist. But she loves him, and I think [their love has] gotten lost. When she finally puts her foot down, it’s like, “That’s enough.” It shows him the error of his ways and he becomes, hopefully, a more generous king.

What was it like to sing songs by Queen, Madonna and Earth, Wind & Fire with such a talented cast?

It was amazing. Idina Menzel [the stepmother] is a legend. Camila Cabello is fast becoming a legend. It was great to be part of something that was so joyful, and with such extraordinary music.

How did becoming a single mom change your life?

I stopped gallivanting around the world making films, but it was for the good because I made [the TV series] About a Boy, which I’m really proud of, and Speechless, which has a huge part of my heart and really has had a social impact for the disabled community. You don’t often get to have a social impact as an actor.