Disney Plus greenlights Beauty and The Beast prequel series

Disney Plus has approved the prequel series of the live-action musical, Beauty and the Beast that starred Emma Watson and Dan Stevens in the titular roles. The yet-to-be-titled series will take place before the events of the movie and will share the adventures of the film’s two antagonists, Gaston and Lefou.

Luke Evans and Josh Gad will return to their respective roles, with Gad as one of the series’ showrunners ad writers. He will be working alongside Once Upon A Time producers, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis. The three collaborated on the prequel’s narrative and bringing the project to life. Newcomer Brianna Middleton will star as Lefou’s stepsister, Tilly-one of her first starring performances.

The synopsis for the prequel has been released by the Disney Plus press team and is as follows:

"Set in the iconic kingdom of “Beauty and the Beast” years before the Beast and Belle’s epic romance, the series will follow Gaston and LeFou as they set off with LeFou’s stepsister, Tilly, after a surprising revelation from her past comes to light, sending the unlikely trio off on an unexpected journey filled with romance, comedy, and adventure. While the mysteries of the past are uncovered and the dangers of the present grow, old friends and new enemies reveal that this familiar kingdom harbors many secrets."

The president and chief creative officer of Disney Branded Television, Gary Marsh shared some of the Beauty and the Beast’s background magic while praising the behind-the-scenes team.

"“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.”On the behind-the-scenes creativity:“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,” commented Jonnie Davis, president, ABC Signature. “Josh, Eddy and Adam’s vision gives us a window into the origin of Luke’s Gaston and Josh’s LeFou with the twist of a new partner in crime—Tilly, played by the luminous Briana Middleton. This dream team would not be complete without the genius Alan Menken returning to write even more glorious music for the franchise he helped create. We’re so grateful to Gary, Ayo, Michael and everyone at Disney Branded Television and Disney+ for their unwavering support. We cannot wait to start shooting.”“For three decades, this tale as old as time has inspired generations of fans around the world,” stated Michael Paull, president, Disney+ and ESPN+. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests back to the magical and musical world of “Beauty and the Beast” for an all new chapter with LeFou, Gaston, and a fantastic new cast of characters.”"

Included in the six-episode limited series will be an original soundtrack and score composed by legendary composer, Alan Menken-who, who will also serve as an executive producer. The pilot’s lyrics will be written by Glen Slater, who worked on Disney’s Tangled in the past. The soundtrack will be released by Walt Disney Records and set production will begin in spring 2022.

Emma Watson and Dan Stevens that portrayed Belle and Beast in the live-action film are not tied nor connected to the Disney+ series. However, based on that the Enchantress is going to be present, the Beast may be mentioned.

Premiering in March of 2017, Beauty and the Beast was a commercial success, taking in $1.2 billion globally on a 160 million budget.

The animated version of the “Tale As Old As Time” was released thirty years ago and was created during the Disney Renaissance period.  That too was a box office hit.

Do you want to turn back time with the prequel?  Share your thoughts in the comments section below.