Here’s a first look at ABC’s upcoming live-action special to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic Disney film Beauty And The Beast.
If you’re feeling old, just wait until you find out that Beauty And The Beast was released 30 years ago this year. On the other hand, the much-loved story of the unlikely couple has become a Disney classic, with Belle reaching the same popularity as the other princesses in just three decades. Snow White, for example, premiered in 1937.
In honor of the milestone, ABC and Disney have assembled an ensemble of award-winning stars for a live-action release of Beauty And The Beast. Here’s everything we know about release times and where you can watch, as well as first look images.
PHOTOS: Check out Disney’s Beauty And The Beast 30th Anniversary Live-Action Special
Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter HER portrays Belle in the two-hour musical performance. Here she is as the cute bookworm in her signature blue dress before she meets the beast:
The film’s antagonist is the selfish Gaston, played by Tony and Grammy-nominated star Joshua Henry. The Canadian-American star is known for his role as Haywood Patterson in Kander and Ebb’s 2010 musical The Scottsboro Boys. Try not to fall in love with him – he’s the villain.
Belle loves her simple life in mid-18th century France, without the attentions of Gaston:
Jon Jon Briones takes on the role of Belle’s loving father, Maurice. This scene shows the moment Belle discovers that her father has been imprisoned by the Beast.
Holding his medieval torch, Gaston recruits the community to raise their pitchforks in hopes of storming the Beast’s castle to save Belle—and we all know how that ends:
Not all the big stars wear pantaloons or dresses. Meet Belle’s new friends – Martin Short as the candelabra Lumiere; Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts; Leo Abelo Petty as Chip; and David Alan Grier as Cogsworth the mantelpiece.
Josh Groban will belt out his heart as the Beast; we think a little more beard is called for, don’t you?
A fairy tale is never complete without a compelling narrator – welcome EGOT winner Rita Moreno:
Where to watch the 2022 ABC special
Fans can tune into the two-hour special on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 8pm EST on ABC. It will be recorded in front of a live audience at Disney Studios and will be available to stream on Disney+ from Friday 16 December.
ABC promises “never-seen-before musical performances” with new sets and stunning costumes inspired by the adventure.
Hamish Hamilton, the mastermind behind every Super Bowl halftime show since 2010, directs while Jon M Chu is executive producer. Chu is currently working with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on the feature film adaptation of the West End musical Wicked.
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