Disney’s live-action remake of the 1991 classic Beauty and the Beast continues to move full steam ahead. Several bits of casting have been announced over the past few weeks, with Emma Watson cast in the leading role of Belle, opposite The Guest star Dan Steven as The Beast. And now, we know when to expect the film.
A press release from Disney earlier today confirms that Beauty and the Beast will hit theaters (in 3D, or course) on March 17, 2017. Here’s the official word:
Disney will release Beauty and the Beast in 3D on March 17, 2017. The beloved tale will be retold for the big screen with a modern live-action lens and the help of transformative CG magic. Emma Watson and Dan Stevens will star as Belle and the Beast/Prince respectively, and Luke Evans will play the role of Gaston. Emma Thompson has joined the cast as Mrs. Potts and Kevin Kline as Belle’s father, Maurice.
Eight-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards for the 1991 animated classic, will score the film, which will feature new recordings of the original songs in addition to several new songs written by Menken and Sir Tim Rice. Bill Condon will direct from a script by Stephen Chbosky, and the film will be produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Production begins in May at Shepperton Studios in London.
That’s two more characters confirmed for the film, and Emma Thompson sounds like a fine addition as Mrs. Potts. I’m not sure if I can picture Kevin Kline as Maurice – however, there’s always the potential for the live-action version to be visually different from the animated counterpart.
No mention was made of Josh Gad, who is said to be in talks for the role of Gaston’s sidekick, LeFou. THR reported these talks last week, but it sounds like the deal hasn’t been closed just yet. But with Gad recently confirmed for the Frozen sequel, it’s probably only a matter of time before Disney locks this one down, as well.
So there you have it! In just over two years, Beauty and the Beast will return to the big screen. My eife has already marked it on her calendar.
beauty and the beast dan stevens disney emma watson