Disney is once again revisiting one of its animated classics to adapt to live action, following the successes of ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Maleficent,’ with ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ The 1991 original became an instant family classic and became the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. (It won for Best Music, Original Score and Best Music, Original Song for the title track.)
Now two more familiar names have signed up for what is sure to be a top notch production. Ewan McGregor will portray Lumiere, the dashing concierge of the Prince’s castle, who becomes a candelabra when the castle is cursed. And Stanley Tucci will appear as Cadenza, a grand piano– a role crafted exclusively for this live-action adaptation. McGregor has experience with musical movie having starred in ‘Moulin Rouge!’ and 50s-set romantic comedy spoof ‘Down With Love.’
The pair join an all-star cast, including Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as The Beast, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, Ian McKellan as Cogsworth, Kevin Kline as Belle’s father Maurice, Audra McDonald as Garderrobe, Luke Evans as Gaston, Josh Gad as Le Fou and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette.
In the original, Lumiere sings the classic ‘Be Our Guest’ and original song writers Alan Menkin and Tim Rice are returning to provide new showstoppers for the soundtrack.
The adaptation will be directed by Bill Condon, who previously helmed the musical blockbuster ‘Showgirls’. The original script was written by Evan Spiliotopoulos, before being rewritten by Stephen Chbosky. It is slated to open on March 17, 2017.
Are you looking forward to a live action spin on the animated classic? What other Disney movies are ripe for a modern reinvention?
Source: Collider
