Three more sign up for re-imagining…
Walt Disney Pictures has set a March 2017, release date for ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ it’s live-action take on the classic fairy tale that has Emma Watson and Dan Stevens starring as Belle and the Beast/Prince, respectively.
Bill Condon (‘Dreamgirls’) is behind the camera, directing from a script by Stephen Chbosky. The beloved tale will be retold for the big screen with a modern live-action lens and the help of transformative CG magic.
Luke Evans (‘The Hobbit,’ ‘Dracula Untold’) will play the role of the villainous Gaston, with Josh Gad (‘The Wedding Ringer,’ ‘Frozen’) as his sidekick, LeFou. The newest additions to the cast include Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, and Kevin Kline in the role of Belle’s father, Maurice.
Production begins in May at Shepperton Studios in London. Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman will produce.
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.