Beauty and the Beast is the next Disney classic to get the live-action remake treatment, but the film's production is anything but smooth so far. While the cast has been coming together nicely, it's possible that the pressure from the film's upcoming release date could be having an undue influence on its stars- and if so, it could cause the entire movie to crumble.
The film was recently slated for a March 17, 2017 release date, which means that production has to begin extremely soon for the film to stay on schedule for that date. Unlike Cinderella, which is mostly a human-on-human story (other than the occasional CGI mouse or pumpkin-carriage), Beauty and the Beast requires far more special effects work- not just for the Beast's castle, which will be full of walking, talking silverware and household objects, but for the Beast himself. Having a major character who'll need to be brought to life through extensive effects work has to be a massive strain on the film.
It may also be a strain on Dan Stevens, who was recently cast as the Beast, leading to rumors that heartthrob Ryan Gosling might take on the role. As well, the recent announcement of Mulan as another Disney film that will be updated into a live-action remake, the Beauty and the Beast cast may be feeling a little competition. Could Mulan threaten Beauty and the Beast's success? It's not entirely clear.
Beauty and the Beast will star Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast and Luke Evans as Gaston. As well, Emma Thompson will play Mrs. Potts, Kevin Kline will play Belle's father Maurice, and Josh Gad will play the villain's sidekick, Le Fou. Just recently, Broadway star Audra McDonald was cast as a talking wardrobe who may get a major musical role.
Beauty and the Beast will premiere in theaters on March 17, 2017.
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