We’re still a ways away from the March 2017 release of Disney’s much anticipated live action remake of 1991’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast, but in the meantime, with production already under way, there’s still so much to get pumped for!!! Be YE’s guest as we guide you through the new cast and tell what to be excited for in the live action Beauty and the Beast remake!
First off, let’s talk writer and director. Helming the camera this time around is Bill Condon, who you’ve probably never heard of, but rest assured everything is in capable hands given Condon has also helmed two of the Twilight films. But even more exciting than that is the writer adapting the original screenplay. Adapting the classic French Fairy Tale is Stephen Chbosky. Yes Stephen Chbosky, as in writer of your favorite book The Perks of Being a Wallflower and also the writer and director of the film of the same name. Aaagghhh!!!
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Emma Watson attends the UK premiere of “Noah” at Odeon Leicester Square on March 31, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)
Speaking of The Perks of Being a Wallflower…guess who is playing Belle? Like you didn’t already know!! It’s Emma Watson, the luminescent Sam from PoBaW. Playing Emma’s Beast is Downton Abbey alum Dan Stevens, while Luke Evans of Hobbit and Fast & Furious fame portrays Belle’s less sophisticated suitor, Gaston. Both are Brit hotties, so….get excited!!!
Other casting that is tres magnifique includes: Star Wars’ Ian McGregor as Lumiere, Lord of the Rings’ Ian MacKellan as Cogsworth, Josh Gad as Gaston’s boorish friend Le Frou, and of course Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts!!! Perfect. Casting. For Every. Single. One.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 12: Actress Emma Thompson attends the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 12, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 19: Actor Josh Gad attends the Premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen” at the El Capitan Theatre on November 19, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
In addition to the perfect casting, Disney reports that “music and inspiration” will be drawn from both the beloved film as well as the Broadway musical. So expect big, sweeping musical numbers in the style of Into The Woods, which means that Emma Watson will be stepping into Anna Kendrick’s “double-threat actress with great pipes” territory. Hopefully, Watson gives Kendrick and all the Pitch Perfect girls a run for their money!!!
Visually speaking, we at YE are waiting with baited breath to see the costuming for the characters reimagined for live action. What will Lumiere and Mrs. Potts look like? What about the Beast? What will his transformation be like? While there are no set photos available as of yet, keep checking with YE for future updates on the cast!!!
