“Beauty and the Beast” animation was shown in theaters in 1991 and it has since become one of the best Disney adaptations of a tale as old as time itself. Any Disney fans know that “Beauty and the Beast” is one of its great classics.
Following the initiative of Disney started a few years ago to turn its classic animated movies into live-action beginning with “Alice in Wonderland,” then “Maleficent,” which is an alternate version of “Sleeping Beauty,” followed by “Cinderella” last year, and then “The Jungle Book” early this year, “Beauty and the Beast” live-action remake will be the fifth animated classic to do so.
Although it could be considered six technically since “Alice in Wonderland” already had a sequel just a few months ago entitled “Alice Through the Looking Glass.”
“Beauty and the Beast” live-action has already completed filming and it will be hitting global theaters in March next year. With the typical Disney hype that comes with the film’s promotions, it is also expected to be a blockbuster success.
Surprise with the remake
Veteran British actress Angela Lansbury, who lent her voice to Mrs. Potts in the animated version of “Beauty and the Beast” back in 1991, recently spoke up about how surprised she was to know that Disney is doing a live-action remake of the classic.
She said that she does not understand why Disney decided to remake such a classic tale. She explained that she was taken aback quite naturally because she does not know why Disney is doing it, reports Indiewire.
However, she explained that it would be interesting to see how Disney would do it and she is hopeful that it would turn out very entertaining and wonderful, the way Disney movies should.
Lansbury is also happy to know that the actress who shall be doing her character in “Beauty and the Beast” live-action is Emma Thompson, whom she describes as a very good friend of hers.
She added that the movie won’t be like the cartoon that they did, but it’s a good story and it’s one of the famous fairy stories that is known worldwide by children. In the end, she cited that she does not blame Disney for doing it.
Lansbury quipped, however, that the live-action is not really their territory because they did it as cartoon characters, and that is quite different from live acting, cites CBS News.
Bound to be a blockbuster
The live-action “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in theaters on March 17, 2017. If its record-breaking YouTube viewing numbers are any indication, it is clear that audiences are bursting with excitement over the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” remake coming to theaters next year.
A few weeks ago, the first pictures of “Beauty and the Beast” live-action film were released and it showed how British actress Emma Watson looks stunning wearing Belle’s iconic yellow gown.
The same picture also features the princely Beast, played by Dan Stevens. While Belle’s yellow gown is an exact replica of its animated predecessor, costume designer Jacqueline Durran put an updated spin on Belle’s famous looks.
Reports have it that costumes are not the only thing getting an update in “Beauty and the Beast” live-action because Emma Watson gives it a feminist twist through Belle’s backstory.
Critics say that Emma Watson looks very enthralling as Belle even if she refuses to wear a restrictive corset.
Watson looked every inch a beautiful Belle in the pictures officially released by Disney Pictures and stood her ground as she refused to wear anything to keep her trim.
She was seen in one of the pictures spinning around in a grand ballroom with marble floors, pillars, and magnificent chandeliers. Emma is seen wearing her brunette hair in a loose half ponytail, replicating Belle’s style perfectly.