UPDATED: What do we know about “Beauty and the Beast”, starring Emma Watson, so far?

by · April 15, 2015

UPDATED Apr. 22

We’ve finally found out who will be taking the role of Lumière, and it is none other than Ewan McGregor! McGregor is particularly well known for his role in Star Wars, as well as Trainspotting and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

It has also been revealed that Stanley Tucci has signed on for the film, he will be portraying Cadenza the grand piano, a new addition who is described as a “neurotic maestro“.

It seems like everyone is excited about the upcoming live-action version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and it’s not hard to see why! Back in January, after weeks of speculation, Emma Watson confirmed via Twitter the news fans had been hoping for – that she would be taking on the lead role of Belle.

Since then, news regarding the film has trickled in fast. So what do we know about Disney’s latest live-action retelling so far?

Firstly, that it will be directed by Bill Condon, who has previously helmed The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2, Dreamgirls, Chicago, and Gods and Monsters. We also know that it will feature all of the iconic songs written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman from the 1991 animated movie, as well as several new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice.

As for the rest of the cast, joining Watson for the film is Downton Abbey alumnus Dan Stevens, who will be playing the Beast. He confirmed his casting in an inspired way on Twitter in March.

https://twitter.com/thatdanstevens/status/573290750101860352

Luke Evans, whose previous credits include The Hobbit films, Dracula Untold, and Fast & Furious 6, will be taking on the role of antagonist, Gaston.

The film will also act as a mini Potter reunion of sorts since Emma Thompson (Sybill Trelawney) has been confirmed for the role of Mrs. Potts. Everyone knows the classic Oscar-winning titular theme song, which was sung by Angela Lansbury in the animated film, and we are very excited to hear Thompson’s take on it. Meanwhile, veteran actor and fellow Oscar winner Kevin Kline will be playing Belle’s father, Maurice.

More recent cast announcements have included Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the feather duster Plumette, Broadway star Audra McDonald as Garderobe, and Frozen alumnus Josh Gad as Gaston’s dimwitted sidekick, LeFou. Gad recently posted a group selfie containing his fellow Beast cast members on Instagram.

Can’t wait for you to be our guest.

A photo posted by Josh Gad (@joshgad) on

Finally, yesterday it was announced that acclaimed actor of stage and screen Sir Ian McKellen would be taking on the role of Cogsworth. McKellen later posted about the very first cast read-through, which took place at Shepperton Studios in London.

https://www.facebook.com/ianmckellen/photos/a.162951253600.114392.149264868600/10152802455988601/?type=1&theater

The film has been given a release date by Disney of March 17, 2017, so unfortunately, we do have quite a long wait ahead of us, but we’re sure with a cast of this high caliber, it will be worth it. Besides, we still have the live-action version of The Jungle Book, which is being released early next year, to look forward to until then.

There are still a couple of key roles yet to be cast, namely Lumière and Chip, the son of Mrs. Potts. It got us thinking, who else would you like to see reunited with Emma? Are you excited for this movie? Let us know your thoughts!