Exciting news for Disney fans! A prequel series centered around LeFou and Gaston is in development for Disney+, bringing back beloved characters from the 2017 live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Josh Gad will reprise his role as LeFou, and Luke Evans will return as Gaston, according to reports from The Entertainment Buzz.
About the Series
The series, which is still untitled, will consist of six episodes and aims to delve into the backstory of these two iconic characters. Disney has teamed up with the creative minds behind ‘Once Upon a Time,’ Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, with Gad also contributing as a co-writer. As the project is in its early phases, it’s been noted that the series will enrich the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ universe. However, no other cast members from the original film, like Emma Watson or Dan Stevens (the Beast), have been announced for this new venture. Interestingly, composer Alan Menken is rumored to be in discussions to create new songs for the show.
Success of the Original Film
The live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was a massive hit, enchanting audiences and grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide. While critics generally praised it, with a 71% rating, the film sparked mixed reactions regarding its representation of LeFou as Disney’s first openly gay character, played by Gad. A theater in Alabama even refused to screen the film for religious reasons, which sparked a considerable debate on representation in media.
LeFou’s Character Development
Prior to the film’s release, director Bill Condon shed light on LeFou’s character, explaining that he experiences confusion about his feelings toward Gaston. This nuance was praised, and the representation was seen as a progressive step for Disney. Following LeFou’s introduction, Disney released its first openly gay character in the animated film ‘Onward,’ which also faced bans in some Middle Eastern countries. In response, Gad expressed hope that audiences would support the film and advocate for change in those regions.
Further Reading
For those looking to explore similar themes, our blog post on the importance of representation in storytelling and how it can inspire real social change can be found here. Additionally, for anyone interested in learning more about becoming a parent, resources like Make-a-Mom provide great insights on home insemination kits, while American Pregnancy offers valuable information on donor insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, the upcoming prequel series promises to explore LeFou and Gaston’s origins, featuring the original actors and potentially new music by Alan Menken. As discussions around representation evolve, this series could serve as a vital part of Disney’s ongoing narrative.
Leave a Reply