One of our favorite Disney films is getting a mini-series and we’re super excited about it!
Earlier today, Disney+ revealed that they will be celebrating the beloved animated classic’s 30th anniversary with a limited musical series that will begin production in Spring 2022, according to Deadline.
According to the streaming platform, Beauty and the Beast (working title) is expected to be an eight episode mini-series that will serve as a prequel to the 2017 live-action film of the same name. 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.
Disney+ also revealed its star-studded cast for the series, and it includes Luke Evans (“The Alienist”) and Josh Gad (“Frozen 2”), who will reprise their roles as Gaston and LeFou (Louie), and introduce Briana Middleton (“The Tender Bar”) as Louie’s stepsister, Tilly.
“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.
President of ABC Signature Jonnie Davis highlights that “this prequel is both a love letter to what’s come before and its own spectacular adventure.” He continues by emphasizing that, “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. [He is] so grateful to Gary, Ayo, Michael and everyone at Disney Branded Television and Disney+ for their unwavering support. We cannot wait to start shooting.”
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.
“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.”
Moments after the news broke, Evans took to social media to share his excitement about the greenlight.
“It’s happening!! It’s really happening!!!! Welcome to the family Brianna,” he shared in a tweet.
It’s happening!! It’s really happening!!!! 🥳🥳🥳 Welcome to the family Brianna ❤️ – Beauty and the Beast’ Prequel Series Greenlighted By Disney+; Briana Middleton Joins Josh Gad & Luke Evans https://t.co/aOaRra4vb2 via @Deadline
— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) June 15, 2021
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