Disney has given the greenlight for a limited musical series currently being called simply Beauty and the Beast. The series is coming from Disney Branded Television and ABC Signature for Disney+, Disney’s streaming service. This eight-episode prequel to the 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast film will star Luke Evans as Gaston and Josh Gad as LeFou, or Louie. It will also introduce Briana Middleton as Louie’s stepsister Tilly.
“For three decades, this tale as old as time has inspired generations of fans around the world,” stated Michael Paull, president, Disney+ and ESPN+. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests back to the magical and musical world of “Beauty and the Beast” for an all new chapter with LeFou, Gaston, and a fantastic new cast of characters.”
This new series is being developed, executive-produced and written by Gad, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, each serving as a co-showrunner. Fans may recognize Adam Horowitz from his work on Once Upon a Time. Joining them will be Tony Award-nominated director Liesl Tommy who will executive produce and also direct the first episode. EGOT Award-winning composer Alan Menken will write an original soundtrack for the series. He will also serve as executive producer. For the first episode, Oscar-nominee Glenn Slater will be writing lyrics for the music. Production on this Beauty and the Beast series will being in the spring of 2022.
“For anyone who’s ever wondered how a brute like Gaston and a goof like LeFou could have ever become friends and partners, or how a mystical enchantress came to cast that fateful spell on the prince-turned-beast, this series will finally provide those answers…and provoke a whole new set of questions,” said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Branded Television.
This series will again be set in the same kingdom where Beauty and the Beast took place. However, this will be taking place years before Beast and Belle would meet and fall in love. It will follow Gaston and LeFou as they head off with LeFou’s step-sister, Tilly. This is all because of a surprising revelation from her past. Together this unlikely trio go off on an “unexpected journey filled with romance, comedy, and adventure.” As mysteries from the past are explored and uncovered, dangers grow in the present. Through it all, both old friends and new enemies reveal that there are many secrets hidden in what was thought to be a fairly familiar kingdom.
“There are few more precious gems in the Disney library than this iconic franchise, and this prequel is both a love letter to what’s come before and its own spectacular adventure,” commented Jonnie Davis, president, ABC Signature. “Josh, Eddy and Adam’s vision gives us a window into the origin of Luke’s Gaston and Josh’s LeFou with the twist of a new partner in crime—Tilly, played by the luminous Briana Middleton. This dream team would not be complete without the genius Alan Menken returning to write even more glorious music for the franchise he helped create. We’re so grateful to Gary, Ayo, Michael and everyone at Disney Branded Television and Disney+ for their unwavering support. We cannot wait to start shooting.”
Beauty and the Beast is executive produced by Gad, Kitsis, Horowitz, Menken, and Tommy. It is also produced by Evans. Gad, Kitsis and Horowitz are co-showrunners and writers for this limited series. The soundtrack for Beauty and the Beast will be released by Walt Disney Records.
What do you think of this new Beauty and the Beast limited series getting the greenlight and starting its journey to Disney+? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
