Looks like ABC is one step closer to getting their version of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ into production as Deadline has reported that the network has now found their Beast and it’s platinum selling Scottish singer Darius Campbell.
Although not as well known in the US, Campbell has made a name for himself in the UK with several hit songs such as ‘Colourblind’ and ‘Rushe.’ His rise to fame started in the early 2000’s when he became a finalist on the British show ‘Popstars’ and made it to the top 3 a year later on Simon Cowell’s ‘Pop Idol.’ After releasing 2 albums, he set his sights on theater and starred in the West End production of ‘Chicago’ playing Billy Flynn. He also appeared on stage in the musical ‘Guys and Dolls’ as Sky Masterson.
Campbell will be playing Shiro, the mysterious beast and mercenary bodyguard who falls in love with the princess he must protect. He joins Chris Egan who was just recently cast as Princess Grace’s fiance, Gorrick.
This will be Cambell’s biggest TV acting role to date. The casting of Campbell seems to be a departure of what he’s done in the past as he has a strong musical background. Upon looking at Egan’s bio, he too has a musical background and was trained in singing. Surprisingly, Egan did record a demo song that was available on his website a few years ago. While there has been no indication on ABC’s part that this pilot will be somewhat musical in nature, the addition of Campbell and the singing background of Egan does make for some speculation.
At the moment, the role of Grace, aka Beauty, is still up in the air.
