Disney has always created the best female villains, and Cinderella’s wicked stepmother, Lady Tremaine, is among the most despicable, manipulating Cinderella into servitude and keeping her under literal lock and key. In Kenneth Branagh’s live-action reimagining of the Disney animated classic, Cate Blanchett brings new dimensions to Lady Tremaine. Vain, indulgent and cruel, she is also wounded and desperate. Make no mistake though, she’s just as vicious as ever. Cinderella also stars Lily James, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter, Stellan Skarsgard, Nonso Anozie, and Hayley Atwell and opens in theaters March 13th.

At a recent Los Angeles press day I had the opportunity to sit down for an exclusive video interview with Cate Blanchett. We talked about why Disney creates the best villains, what makes the wicked stepmother so wicked, bringing humanity to the character, her overly mannered physicality, and the stunning costume work by designer Sandy Powell. Watch the full interview below.