A new set of promotional posters offers audiences their first good look at the cast of Disney's upcoming 30th anniversary Beauty and the Beast TV movie. Featuring an all-star cast in an animation/live-action hybrid storytelling format, this one is sure to catch a lot of eyes. Even just the posters themselves are striking enough to draw attention.
Separate from its now indefinitely delayed Beauty and the Beast prequel series, this particular Disney project is a completely new retelling of the story, crafted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original animated film's 1991 release. Granted, it may be a year off at this point, but these are pandemic times, so a little delay is to be expected. Titled Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, the TV movie already has a lot going for it, and the enchanting cast is certainly part of that draw.
In the image, the 2-hour special's leads, singers Josh Groban and H.E.R., can be seen sporting outfits reminiscent of their characters. Groban's lovely deep blue jacket draws similarities to his role as The Beast, who famously wears a similar shade of finery even in some of the non-Disney versions of Beauty and the Beast. Meanwhile, H.E.R. looks positively ready for the camera as Belle with her dazzling gold caped suit, instantly bringing to mind Belle's well-known gold dress from the original film's iconic dance scene.
Other stars include Hamilton's Joshua Henry as the pompous Gaston, with Schitt's Creek alum Rizwan Manji playing his sidekick (and maybe more) LeFou. Legendary comedic actor and Only Murders in the Building star Martin Short is present as the suave candelabra Lumière while Joe Pickett's David Alan Grier will play his much more stuffy buddy, Cogsworth. Filipino-American Ratched actor Jon Jon Briones rounds things out with his more sensible attire as Belle's inventor father Maurice.
That group alone would be enough to get a standing ovation at any event, but there's even more. Country music star Shania Twain will play Mrs. Potts, stepping into the role made famous by the late and eternally great Angela Lansbury. Meanwhile, Leo Abelo Perry of 2022's Cheaper by the Dozen will take the part of Mrs. Potts' son, Chip. Finally, as if an overflowing handful of legends wasn't enough, veteran Hollywood icon (and star in both versions of West Side Story) Rita Moreno is last but definitely not least, serving as the special's narrator.
Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration is already in the position to create something truly magical with a cast like this. So here's hoping it turns out to be exactly the sort of tribute that fans and newcomers alike are looking for.
Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration will air on December 15th, 2022, on ABC and stream on Disney Plus the next day.
Source: ABC Network