After the recent success of Walt Disney Productions’ live-action version of their classic Cinderella, it was only a matter of time before other timeless Disney princesses began coming to life on the big screen. Earlier this year, the announcement of the upcoming Beauty and the Beast film thrilled movie-goers and wannabe princesses alike.
Here are just 7 of the reasons that Disney fanatics can’t wait to be a guest at the movies on March 17, 2017:
7. The New Characters
There goes the baker with his tray, like always; the same old bread and rolls to sell…
Another cast member will delight even another group of passionate movie-goers; Hunger Games addicts may be surprised to see Stanley Tucci in a new role created for the film: Cadenza the grand piano. We look forward to seeing how much creative license the filmmakers take when it comes to staying true to the original plot and characters.
While it’s rumored that Beauty and the Beast will remain truer to the animated film than recent re-imaginations like Maleficient, we’re hoping we’ll learn why the baker doesn’t switch up his menu every once in a while.
6. The Music
Tale as old as time; Tune as old as song.
Throw a Broadway star into the mix, and the remake of this classic is bound to breathe new life into songs like Be Our Guest. The talented Ewan McGregor was cast as Lumiere, which will surely delight both Broadway aficionados as well as The Hobbit and Star Wars fans, since McGregor has previously appeared in both franchises.
Of course, part of what makes Beauty and the Beast so special are songs like Something There and Belle. All of the film’s original musical numbers have been proposed for the remake, and Alan Menken has signed on to return to score the live-action adaptation. As an added bonus, the movie may re-introduce some the songs from the Broadway musical, like If I Can’t Love Her, and will possibly even surprise its audience by introducing new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice.
5. The Frozen Nod
Gosh it disturbs me to see you, Gaston, looking so down in the dumps.
Since Beauty and the Beast’s release is sandwiched between both the Frozen Fever short and the upcoming Frozen sequel (We all knew it was coming), Disney fanatics will be thrilled to hear a familiar voice when Josh Gad, the voice of huggable snowman Olaf, appears as Gaston’s goofy sidekick: LeFou.
4. The Casting of Gaston
For there’s no one as burly and brawny – As you see I’ve got biceps to spare.
If you thought Harry Potter geeks (er, fans) were happy about the casting of Watson as Belle (not to mention Emma Thompson, who also appears in the Harry Potter franchise, as Mrs. Potts), Lord of the Rings fans are also going to come out in full force to see Luke Evans bring the narcissistic, chauvinistic, antagonistic Gaston to life.
3. The Back Story
Every morning just the same since the morning that we came to this poor provincial town.
Much like Cinderella delves a little deeper in some of the characters’ backstory—like revealing Lady Tremaine’s motivation for being that cruel to her stepdaughter—Beauty and the Beast may expose some further detail about Prince Adam (because, yes, that is his actual name) and his life before the spell. There must be more to this provincial life, right?
2. The Makeup
She glanced this way, I thought I saw – And when we touched, she didn’t shudder at my paw.
Transforming Downton Abbey heartthrob Dan Stevens into the spellbound, hot-headed Beast? This is something we can’t wait to see.
1. The Beauty… Duh
Well, it’s no wonder that her name means ‘beauty.’ Her looks have got no parallel.
Harry Potter fans and Disneyphiles alike are rejoicing in this particular casting. Emma Watson, the usually-awkward actress, has left all of us impatiently waiting to see how Hermione Granger will transform herself into the self-assured, adventurous Belle.
Additionally, after every little girls (Okay, and little girls at heart) found themselves utterly captivated by Ella’s sparkling blue ball gown in this year’s Cinderella release. We can only imagine how breathtaking this Disney Princess’ signature gold will look on the big screen.
