Original “Beauty and the Beast” Prequel Greenlighted for Disney+
Ever wonder how Gaston developed into the five-dozen-egg-eating brute hoping to woo and marry Belle? In a new prequel series titled “Little Town” greenlighted today for Disney+, viewers will learn what makes the dastardly villain tick.
Timed alongside the 30th anniversary of the animated feature film, ‘Beauty and the Beast,” the original musical series will use eight episodes to explore the early years of Gaston and LeFou’s friendship.
Luke Evans (Gaston) and Josh Gad (LeFou/Louie), who starred in the live-action version of the film in 2017, will reprise their starring roles. Rising star Briana Middleton joins the cast as Louie’s step-sister, Tilly. Middleton recently wrapped filming for “The Tender Bar,” directed by George Clooney and starring Ben Affleck and Christopher Lloyd.
Famous not only for his role as LeFou but also the lovable Olaf, Josh Gad also serves a writer and executive producer for the series. Joining him are ABC producing geniuses Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz who brought us ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” and “Lost.” Evans also joins the crew as a producer for the film.
Image Credit: Ron Eshel/Invision/AP
Menken Joins the Prequel Team
EGOT-award winner and Disney song-writing legend Alan Menken joins the group of executive producers. Of course, he will also penn the soundtrack for the film. The opening episode of the series will be directed by Tony Award-nominee Liesl Tommy with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Slater was the genius behind the hit lyrics rom Disney’s “Tangled.”
Image Credit: Disney
“There are few more precious gems in the Disney library than this iconic franchise, and this prequel is both a love letter to what’s come before and its own spectacular adventure,” said Jonnie Davis, the president of ABC Signature in a statement published by Variety.
“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,” said Gary Marsh in a statement published by The Hollywood Reporter. Marsh took over as president and chief creative officer for Disney Branded Television last year after work with the Disney Channel.
We are sure more information will emerge soon about further casting choices. Production is set to being in early 2022.
Image Credit: WALT DISNEY CO./COURTESY EVERETT COLLECTION
Though details are slim right now, Disney Branded Television did give a glimpse of the storyline, which will transpire after a surprise revelation about the past emerges. The journey will follow not only Gaston and LeFou but also Tilly as they uncover past mysteries and realize dangers of the present with appearance by old friends as well as new foes.
Feature Image Credit: WALT DISNEY CO./COURTESY EVERETT COLLECTION
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