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Disney's Beauty and The Beast prequel has sadly been postponed

Photo credit: Disney
Photo credit: Disney

Beauty and the Beast fans listen up: An eight-episode limited musical series that'll serve as a prequel to Belle and the Beast's story is coming your way! This time, resident antagonist Gaston is getting his own prequel TV show/musical alongside his BFF and sidekick LeFou, Disney+ has revealed - although the series is now currently on hold.

Here's everything we know so far about the Disney villain's upcoming prequel series.

Why has the Beauty and the Beast prequel been postponed?

There are sad updates for those looking forward to the Beauty and the Beast prequel, as the show is reportedly now on hold.

According to reports from Variety, sources have revealed that the series "is being postponed for an undetermined amount of time due to creative and scheduling issues," with the publication adding that the show is "no longer moving forward as planned".

Photo credit: Disney
Photo credit: Disney

Expanding on the reasons for the show being paused, Variety explained that the series was supposed to be shooting in summer 2022, but that shooting would have been delayed by "certain creative elements" not being ready.

They added that such a delay would have caused scheduling issues with the series' cast, as well as problems with the weather for filming. As a result, the publication reports that "it was decided to hold off and revisit the show at a later date."

Who will star in the Beauty and the Beast prequel?

Alongside returning actors from the 2017 Beauty and the Beast live-action film, Disney (prior to postponement news) announced some brand new cast members and characters coming to the prequel series.

First up: singer and actress Rita Ora confirmed that she'll be starring in the series, sharing the news on Instagram. Exciting!

Photo credit: Rich Fury - Getty Images
Photo credit: Rich Fury - Getty Images

Posting a photo with the Disney+ logo on 7th February 2022 (plus throwback pics dressed as Belle as a child), Rita wrote, "I can’t keep the secret any longer! I’m beyond excited to be joining the cast of the Beauty and the Beast prequel series!"

She went on, "As a child, I remember watching Beauty and the Beast with my family over and over and immediately falling in love with the music and characters. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined joining this fairytale world. To everyone that helped make this happen, I am forever grateful," adding, "Lately I just feel like all my dreams are coming true! Life is feeling like a Disney movie!"

As for her character, Rita will reportedly be playing, "a fugitive with surprising abilities who carries with her a secret that could potentially affect an entire kingdom," according to Deadline.

Briana Middleton was previously confirmed to play the series’ leading lady, Tilly (Louie's stepsister). Meanwhile, Jelani Alladin (tick, tick...BOOM!) will play artist Jean-Michel, while Hawkeye's Fra Fee stars as Prince Benoit Berlioz.

On top of the newbies, original cast members from the 2017 live-action film will be returning. Luke Evans and Josh Gad will be reprising their roles of Gaston and LeFou (Louie) respectively. Yay!

It’s seems unlikely that Emma Watson will reprise her role as Belle, seeing as the show will be set before the events of the 2017 film where she meets Beast (played by Dan Stevens), but we’re definitely not ruling out a cameo. Fingers crossed.

Josh Gad will also serve as executive producer and writer alongside Once Upon a Time creators Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis as co-showrunners, so you know this is going to be good.

Photo credit: Disney
Photo credit: Disney

What is the Beauty and the Beast prequel going to be about?

According to Disney, the new series will be a live-action prequel to the 2017 remake of the 1991 film.

"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," they told The Hollywood Reporter.

Will we get to see a different side of Gaston? We hope so.

Is there a trailer for the Beauty and the Beast prequel?

Seeing as production has sadly been postponed, there's no trailer just yet. Watch this space though, and feel free to rewatch both films while you wait!

When is the Beauty and the Beast prequel being released?

No confirmation of a release date and, without any filming underway, we may have to wait a while yet.

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