A recent press release from Disney has confirmed a release date for the live-action adaptation of the 1991 animated film Beauty and the Beast. I previously wrote in my article about Josh Gad in final negotiations to play Le Fou that the movie would come out in 2016 but according to the press release, the movie will release on March 17, 2017. That seems so far away but it makes sense considering they just recently have been putting together all of the pieces.

Several other aspects of the movie were announced in the press release as well regarding the music and more of the cast members. This adaptation will indeed be a musical and will include a lot of the songs that were featured in the 1991 animated film. It will also include some new songs specifically written for the live-action adaptation. I consider this a good thing because otherwise us fans familiar with the original film would know what to expect with the songs. This combination of old and new songs will give both the people who know the original songs and the new generation who don’t something to look forward to.

Also announced were two new cast members including Emma Thompson, who people may know from Saving Mr. Banks, to play the Beast’s servant Mrs. Potts.

The other cast member announced is Kevin Kline (Last Vegas) to play Belle’s father Maurice!

I’m all for these casting choices as they are acquiring quality talent to play in these roles. It’s also very interesting that this movie is going to be a musical and it makes sense since the music was one of the dominant parts of the 1991 film. What do you all think of the release date, addition of new songs, and these castings? Let me know in the comment section!

Sources: Walt Disney Studios, screenrant.com

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