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“Beauty and the Beast” Is Getting Adapted Again For a Live TV Special – With H.E.R. as Belle!
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It’s a tale as old as time, but it’s getting a new twist! “Beauty and the Beast” is being adapted in a new format to mark over three decades since the release of Disney’s animated film. Titled “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration,” the upcoming ABC and Wonderful World of Disney special will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the timeless fantasy’s historical Academy Award nomination for best picture, the first time an animated movie had been tapped in that category.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, who helmed “Crazy Rich Asians”, the forthcoming reimagination of Disney’s beloved story will see H.E.R. (real name: Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) putting her spin on the lead character of Belle.
If you are eagerly awaiting the new take on the fan-favourite story (through a modern lens), keep reading for all the details we have about the highly anticipated special so far, including the release date and any plot changes.
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"Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration" Cast
In the reimagined special, H.E.R. will be bringing Belle to life, previously portrayed by Emma Watson in 2017’s live-action feature. Any additional casting is yet to be announced by the streamer.
Through her lead role of Belle in the special, the ubertalented Grammy- and Academy Award-winning artist becomes the first Afro Filipina woman to play the character. The “I Can’t Breathe” singer-songwriter has expressed her excitement over booking the special. “I can’t believe I get to be a part of the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ legacy. The world will see a Black and Filipino Belle!” she said in a statement. “I have always wanted to be a Disney princess, and I get to work with two wonderful directors Hamish Hamilton and my favourite, Jon M. Chu. It is very surreal, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
The 25-year-old R&B star is also slated to appear in another modern iteration of a classic musical, “The Color Purple,” alongside a stacked cast that include Halle Bailey, Ciara, Jon Batiste, and more.
Everett Collection / Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection
"Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration" Plot
Though most are likely familiar with the story, “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” might showcase a new twist on the classic with talents such as H.E.R. and Chu behind the live-action and animated project. Viewers can expect contemporary musical performances, costumes, and sets to refresh the original story in this one-night-only extravaganza.
The original plot of “Beauty and the Beast” is based on a French fairy tale and tells the story of Belle, who is taken prisoner by a cursed prince turned beast, but soon sees a different side of his personality concealed behind the cold exterior. As they proceed to connect through their many conversations, their blossoming love for each other lifts the spell placed on the prince (and the other occupants of his enchanted castle), and the two live happily ever after!
Everett Collection / Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection
"Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration" Release Date
The two-hour-long special will be filmed live at Disney Studios and broadcast on ABC on Dec. 15. “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” will make its way to Disney+ the following day on Dec. 16.
