BURBANK, Calif. (June 15, 2021) —As fans worldwide celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved animated 1991 classic, Disney+ announced today the greenlight of a limited musical series, "Beauty and the Beast" (working title) from Disney Branded Television and ABC Signature. An eight-episode prequel to the 2017 live-action film, "Beauty and the Beast" will star Luke Evans ("The Alienist") and Josh Gad ("Frozen 2"), reprising their roles as Gaston and LeFou (Louie), and introduce Briana Middleton ("The Tender Bar") as Louie's stepsister, Tilly. "Beauty and the Beast'' is developed, executive-produced and written by Gad, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz ("Once Upon a Time"), each serving as a co-showrunner. The series’ creative team also includes Tony Award-nominated director Liesl Tommy ("Eclipsed," "Respect"), who has come on board as an executive producer and will direct the first episode. The project will feature an original soundtrack from the EGOT Award-winning composer Alan Menken, who will also serve as executive producer, and lyrics for the first episode will be by Oscar-nominee Glenn Slater (“Tangled”). Production will begin in spring 2022.
Set in the iconic kingdom of "Beauty and the Beast" years before the Beast and Belle's epic romance, the series will follow Gaston and LeFou as they set off with LeFou's step-sister, Tilly, after a surprising revelation from her past comes to light, sending the unlikely trio off on an unexpected journey filled with romance, comedy, and adventure. While the mysteries of the past are uncovered and the dangers of the present grow, old friends and new enemies reveal that this familiar kingdom harbors many secrets.
“For anyone who’s ever wondered how a brute like Gaston and a goof like LeFou could have ever become friends and partners, or how a mystical enchantress came to cast that fateful spell on the prince-turned-beast, this series will finally provide those answers…and provoke a whole new set of questions,” said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Branded Television.
“There are few more precious gems in the Disney library than this iconic franchise, and this prequel is both a love letter to what’s come before and its own spectacular adventure,” commented Jonnie Davis, president, ABC Signature. “Josh, Eddy and Adam’s vision gives us a window into the origin of Luke’s Gaston and Josh’s LeFou with the twist of a new partner in crime—Tilly, played by the luminous Briana Middleton. This dream team would not be complete without the genius Alan Menken returning to write even more glorious music for the franchise he helped create. We’re so grateful to Gary, Ayo, Michael and everyone at Disney Branded Television and Disney+ for their unwavering support. We cannot wait to start shooting.”
“For three decades, this tale as old as time has inspired generations of fans around the world,” stated Michael Paull, president, Disney+ and ESPN+. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests back to the magical and musical world of “Beauty and the Beast” for an all new chapter with LeFou, Gaston, and a fantastic new cast of characters.”
Gad, whose recent credits include starring roles in "Avenue 5," "Marshall" and "Central Park," is currently in production on Peacock series "Wolf Like Me." Evans is currently filming the lead role in “Echo 3,” the Apple drama series for Mark Boal and was recently cast as the lead role in Hulu's "Nine Perfect Strangers." Middleton will be making her feature film debut in Amazon Studios' forthcoming George Clooney-directed adaptation of "The Tender Bar," based on the memoir by Pulitzer Prize-winning Writer J.R. Moehringer and is currently shooting “The Last Will and Testament of Charles Abernathy” for Netflix.
"Beauty and the Beast" is executive produced by Gad, Kitsis, Horowitz, Menken and Tommy and produced by Evans. Gad, Kitsis and Horowitz are co-showrunners and writers for the limited series. The soundtrack will be released by Walt Disney Records.
Bring home the timeless tale beloved by generations
Arrives on Digital HD, Blu-ray™ and Disney Movies Anywhere on June 6
Bring Home the Timeless Tale Beloved by Generation and Go Beyond the Magic &
Music in Ways Like Never Before, and for the first time, experience how this film was brought to life
Includes 3 ways to watch the movie, an enchanted table read, over 10 minutes of deleted scenes
BURBANK, Calif., May 12, 2017 — Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives home on June 6 on Digital HD, Blu-ray™, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand.
Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version. The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film was brought to life utilizing lavish sets, elaborately designed costumes and props, and state-of the-art technology. A feature on the amazing women behind the enchanted tale hosted by Emma Watson; and over 10 minutes of deleted scenes along with musical extras, including the “Beauty and the Beast” music video starring Ariana Grande and John Legend, Celine Dion’s heartfelt take on the new song “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” and jump directly to all you favorite unforgettable songs.
Bonus features include*:
BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
Enchanted Table Read – Join the cast for the movie’s elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more.
A Beauty of a Tale – Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic.
The Women Behind “Beauty and the Beast” – Emma Watson introduces several of the talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life.
Making a Moment with Celine Dion – Celine Dion shares what it’s like to sing “How Does a Moment Last Forever” – and be a part of the legacy of “Beauty and the Beast.”
From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences – See what goes into making some of the best-known moments from “Beauty and the Beast.”
“Belle” -- Filmmakers and cast reveal how it felt to shoot this memorable scene.
“Be Our Guest” -- Discover all that went into creating this epic, primarily virtual performance.
“Gaston” -- Join the cast for rehearsals and filming of this rousing, high-energy number.
“Beauty and the Beast” -- You’re invited on set for the filming of this beloved, classic scene.
Deleted Scenes
Introduction by Director Bill Condon -- Director Bill Condon presents a collection of scenes that, for one reason or another, ended up on the cutting-room floor.
Gaston Courts Belle -- Pleased with himself after settling a disturbance with the townspeople, a triumphant Gaston attempts to woo Belle.
Bread and Jam for Agathe -- On her morning market rounds, Belle stops by to see Agathe, the village beggar woman.
Storming the Ice Gates -- The angry mob of villagers, led by Gaston, overwhelms the castle’s defenses.
Lumière Torches LeFou -- As the fight rages around them, LeFou scuffles with Plumette … until he experiences a sudden, extremely heated interruption.
Monsieur Toilette -- LeFou escapes from the brawl into a small room, where he's startled by a castle resident.
Cogsworth Rescues Lumière -- When Clothilde the fishmonger threatens Lumière, Cogsworth leaps into the fray.
Treacle the Lasses -- Three village lasses chase Chip and Froufrou – Madame Garderobe’s dog-turned-footstool – into the kitchen, where a surprise awaits.
LeFou and Monsieur Toilette Reunite -- After the spell is broken and the castle residents are returned to human form, LeFou and his new acquaintance meet again.
Extended Song: “Days in the Sun” – Learn more about Beast’s childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, introduced by director Bill Condon.
“Beauty and the Beast” Music Video – Award-winning artists Ariana Grande and John Legend perform a moving version of this iconic song.
Making the Music Video – Go on set to capture the magic as it happens in Ariana Grande and John Legend’s “Beauty and the Beast” music video.
Disney Song Selection – Jump directly to all your favorite songs and sing along with the movie.
“Belle”
“How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Music Box)
“Belle” (Reprise)
“Gaston”
“Be Our Guest”
“Days in the Sun”
“Something There”
“How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Montmartre)
“Beauty and the Beast”
“Evermore”
“The Mob Sing”
“Beauty and the Beast” (Finale)
DVD:
“Beauty and the Beast” Music Video
“Beauty and the Beast” features an extraordinary ensemble cast, including Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as The Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, Kevin Kline as Maurice, Josh Gad as LeFou, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, Hattie Morahan as the enchantress and Nathan Mack as Chip with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts.
Directed by Bill Condon and based on the 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos. Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman as well as three new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice. The film is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers.
As Condon explains, “There’s something about this story – and specifically the score, which was written 25 years ago – that is just magical, and I think that’s what still draws people in and is what makes this such a special experience.”
Thanks to the artistry and imagination of Condon and a brilliant creative team, audiences of all ages are sure to be captivated by the story’s music, adventure and romance once again.
DISC SPECIFICATIONS:
Product SKUs:Digital HD/SD, Blu-ray Combo Pack, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand
Feature Run Time:Approximately 123 minutes
Rating:PG in U.S., PG in CE, and G in CF
Aspect Ratio:Blu-ray Feature Film = 1080p High Definition / Widescreen 2.40
DVD Feature Film = Widescreen 2.40
Audio:Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA & 2.0 Descriptive Audio,
Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
DVD = English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
Languages/Subtitles:Blu-ray = English SDH, Spanish and French
Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) is an engaging and family-friendly cloud-based digital movie service that makes it easy to buy Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars movies once and watch them anywhere. Viewers can enjoy their digital movies from the comfort of their living room and across multiple mobile platforms by simply adding the free DMA app or channel to their devices, such as iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android mobile phones and tablets, Android TV, Amazon’s Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Xbox 360, and connecting to their DMA account with participating providers including iTunes, Amazon Video, VUDU, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV and Fios by Verizon. DMA users can explore Disney’s library of over 450 digital movies, discover hours of new and exclusive short-form content, redeem Digital Movie codes found in eligible Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars product, and earn Disney Movie Rewards points with every digital purchase.
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.
“Beauty and the Beast” fans around the world pushed Disney’s live-action adaptation past the $1 billion mark at the global box office, making it 2017’s highest-grossing film worldwide to date, the highest grossing live-action movie musical of all time and a global phenomenon.
In 2014, I first heard that my favorite Disney animated film of all-time was going to become a live-action movie, I shuddered at the very thought. Beauty and The Beast was the first Disney animated film that broke away from the mold of the typical Disney princess. Belle was a strong female character. She was smart, she was pretty and she knew what she wanted in life. And she could see past the exterior of a person and see what's in their heart. Unforgettable songs, gorgeous animation and a fantastic story combined to make this, not only my favorite Disney animated film, but the favorite of millions. There would be little forgiveness if the live-action film was not handled with care.
Then in 2015, casting began to be announced. In January, Emma Watson announced that she would play Belle and I instantly fell in love with this project. And then later that year at the D23 Expo, the rest of the cast was announced and the first footage was screened. I, along with 8,000 others were floored by what we saw, the first glimpse of Emma Watson in the iconic gold ballroom gown as well as Gaston and LeFou in town. You got a sense of scale and that this was going to be something special. The filmmakers were handling this with very special care.
The film truly delivers as you get what you love from the animated classic but with new elements that fit perfectly in the existing framework that help expand the characters within their world. By no means is the storyline vastly different, you know what you are going to get. The Beast is cursed because of his cruel ways. Belle is a book-loving girl that wants so much more than what her small village can provide. You get Belle imprisoned in the castle, an unexpected friendship turns into something more and then an epic love story blossoms.
The casting is superb from top to bottom. Emma Watson is perfect as Belle, from her intelligence, to her beauty to her love of books. Emma is in fact the real life Belle. Dan Stevens brings the upset and soulful Beast to life. The enchanted objects of Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts are expertly brought to life through the fine vocal performances of Ewan McGregor, Sir Ian McKellan and Emma Thompson. The additional enchanted objects are also magically brought to life by wonderful vocal performances by Madame de Garderobe (Audra McDonald), Chip (Nathan Mack), Plumette (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and the newly-created Maestro Cadenza (Stanley Tucci), a composer transformed into a harpsichord. Luke Evans and Josh Gad play Gaston and Lefou and literally steal the show many times here. Josh Gad shows off his musical strength here and Luke Evans plays Gaston to his dastardly best. You can tell the two formed a close friendship during production and it shows in every scene they are in. Kevin Kline is unbelievably charming as Belle's father Maurice. his character gets a little more attention as we find out more about him and about Belle's mother. Those scenes are sweet and at times heartbreaking. We also get further insight into the Beast's parents. These scenes help us learn more about Belle and Beast and how they have been shaped into who they are. This helps ground the characters into a greater sense of believability that even the animated classic could not accomplish.
As far as the music is concerned, we get the songs we all know and love with some lyric changes as well as three brand new songs. The new songs blend in seamlessly with the other songs and help create this classic Hollywood musical film feel. Emma Watson can hold her own and all the iconic songs with Belle have been playing on repeat for the last several days. Stevens has a wonderful signing voice and you can feel his power as he sings "Evermore." Thompson is wonderful in the title song. Ewan McGregor reminds me of his Moulin Rouge days as he sing the audience pleasing "Be Our Guest." But Evans and Gad brought the house down with their performance of "Gaston."
A gorgeous film, filled with an amazing cast, and additional changes to the storyline that work flawlessly into the existing framework to create a movie that expands the characters and their world will be one that you will want to see again and again.
Continuing their worldwide publicity tour, the cast and filmmakers from Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” including Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Audra McDonald, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, director Bill Condon and composer Alan Menken, stopped in Hollywood this evening for the world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre.
“Beauty and the Beast,” which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life in a stunning, cinematic event, opens in theaters nationwide on March 17.
Here are some coloring pages for the live-action Beauty and The Beast! Simply click on the image to get a larger version, then print them out and color! Have fun!
Today in Shanghai, the cast and filmmakers from Disney’s live-action BEAUTY AND THE BEAST including Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad and director Bill Condon continued their world tour with a premiere and photo call in Shanghai.
In addition, a first look at a scene from the film featuring the song “Gaston.”
“Beauty and the Beast,” which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life in a stunning, cinematic event, opens in theaters nationwide on March 17.
The cast and filmmakers from Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” including Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Stanley Tucci, Audra McDonald, director Bill Condon and composer Alan Menken, continued their way through Europe and attended a gala screening of the film in London this evening.
“Beauty and the Beast,” which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life in a stunning, cinematic event, opens in theaters nationwide on March 17.
The cast and filmmakers from Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” including Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Stanley Tucci, Audra McDonald, director Bill Condon and composer Alan Menken, continued their way through Europe and attended a gala screening of the film in London this evening.
“Beauty and the Beast,” which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life in a stunning, cinematic event, opens in theaters nationwide on March 17.
The cast and filmmakers from Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” including Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, Luke Evans, director Bill Condon and composer Alan Menken, gathered in the City of Light earlier today. Paris is the perfect setting for the launch of the worldwide press tour, as it is France where the story originated. Plu, watch a clip from the movie and featuring one of my favorite songs, "Belle".
The final trailer for Beauty and the Beast is here 🌹 On March 17, rediscover a tale as old as time. Get your tickets now at BeOurGuest.com
-- Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.
The stunning final theatrical poster for Disney's upcoming live-action Beauty and The Beast has been released! As if March 17th will never get here, each taste of this movie says that this movie will make all of the money. What do you think of the final theatrical poster? How excited are you to see this movie? Leave your comments below!
Check out the new trailer for Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic ”Beauty and the Beast.” One of the most beloved tales ever told, the film brings it to life in a stunning, cinematic event directed by Bill Condon with an extraordinary ensemble cast, including: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson.
Here’s the first look at the new Beauty and the Beast poster just released on Emma Watson's Facebook page.
The poster is for Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast. The film, which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life in a stunning, cinematic event, is directed by Bill Condon and features an extraordinary ensemble cast which also includes Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters nationwide on March 17, 2017.
Take a look at brand new images featuring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast from Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic and one of the most beloved tales ever told, ”Beauty and the Beast.” The film, which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life in a stunning, cinematic event, is directed by Bill Condon and features an extraordinary ensemble cast which also includes Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters nationwide on March 17, 2017.
Take a look at a new sneak peek of Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” from the bonus features of the upcoming release of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION. Relive the magic and the music of Disney’s beloved animated classic with four versions of the film plus all-new bonus features! Watch the full sneak peek when “Beauty and the Beast Walt Disney Signature Collection Edition” becomes available on Digital HD September 6th and Blu-ray September 20th.
Here is a first look at the teaser one-sheet for Disney’s upcoming live-action re-telling of “Beauty and the Beast” based on the animated classic which refashions the classic characters and musical numbers from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience. The film, which stars Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald with Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson, opens in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.
