Beauty and the Beast Prequel Series Put on Hold for Disney+

The prequel series for Beauty and the Beast has been put on hold the Hollywood Reporter is reporting. The series, starring Josh Gad and Luke Evans, has found itself seeing delays due to scheduling conflicts with the cast and some creative elements. While this series is still expected to be made, it is unknown if the schedules of Gad and Evans will still fit with any future production schedule.

Josh Gad confirmed this story on Twitter saying, “Sadly, ‘Tis true. We tried to make it all work but under the gun it wasn’t meant to be… for now. These characters and this story will live on, but sometimes the best intentions & reality collide & nothing can be done.” In a follow up tweet he shared his hope for the future saying, “But… we truly hope we get to make it when our schedules allow.”

This series was envisioned as a eight-episode origin story for Gaston, played by Luke Evans, and LaFou, played by Gad. Briana Middleton had also joined the cast as LaFou’s stepsister, Tilly. British pop star Rita Ora was also set to join the cast, as of a few days ago. Now, with the delay, it could make it challenging for the current cast to still make things work for this series.

Josh Gad, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz were all set to be show runners for the show. The three were set to be executive producers as well as Alan Menken. Mencken was also set to compose the soundtrack for the series. Liesl Tommy was to be the director of the pilot episode. Luke Evans was also supposed to be an executive producer.

Originally production was to begin for the series this spring. It had previously been postponed in the hopes of filming in better weather in Europe. However, with creative elements not ready and some of the cast members needing to be done filming by August, production has to be postponed for the series. It is unknown when the series will be able to film again at this time.

What do you think of the Beauty and the Beast prequel being put on hold? When do you think it will again resume production? Is this a good choice? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

UPDATED: Josh Gad’s Confirmation to this story.