Walt Disney Pictures is (almost) ready to begin filming its live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” as the studio has announced the release date and the confirmed cast members.
As previously reported, Emma Watson is set to play Belle, the central character of the live-action adaptation of the Disney classic. The former “Harry Potter” actress also took to Twitter to welcome Dan Stevens and Luke Evans, who were in negotiations to play the Beast/Prince and Gaston respectively.
Of course, that’s not everything we know about the film. The live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast” finally found its Mrs. Potts and Maurice too!
Based on a French fairy tale, “Beauty and the Beast” is about Belle, a young woman who takes her father’s place as a prisoner in a monstrous being’s castle, only to fall in love with the creature, who turns out to be a prince. After confirming that Stevens and Evans are indeed joining the cast, Disney announced that multiple award-winning star Kevin Kline is set to play Belle’s father, Maurice. His character is an inventor and a loving father who supports Belle’s dreams. However, he is made a prisoner when he accidentally stumbled upon the Beast’s castle.
It was also announced another multiple award-winning star Emma Thompson is joining the cast as Mrs. Pott, a supporting character from the fairy-tale. Her character is the head housekeeper of the Beast/Prince’s castle, who was transformed into a teapot under the spell of the enchantress. “Frozen” star Josh Gad was reportedly going to play Lefou, but he was not included in the studio’s announcement.
Mrs. Potts – Chip – Maurice / Source
Director Bill Condon (of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” fame) is set to direct the film while Stephen Chbosky will pen the script based on the draft written by Evan Spiliotopoulos. David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman will produce the film under their Mandeville Films production company. However, the movie will not hit cinemas until the release of the new “Cinderella” movie in March 2015 and Jon Favreau‘s “The Jungle Book” in 2016.
The studio announced that “Beauty and the Beast” is slated for release in 3D on 17th March 2017.
8-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, who won 2 Academy Awards for the 1991 animated classic, is set to the film.
It will also feature new recordings of the original songs in addition to several new songs written by Menken and Sir Tim Rice.
No further details were announced yet, but what do you think of the casting news so far? Are you excited to watch the film? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
(Source: Disney)