Beauty and the Beast movie: Emma Thompson to play Mrs Potts alongside Emma Watson
Bill Condon's live action remake has been given a March 2017 release date
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Emma Thompson has joined the cast of the Beauty and the Beast live-action remake.
The British actress will play motherly teapot Mrs Potts in Bill Condon’s adaptation of Disney’s 1991 animated classic, starring alongside Emma Watson in the lead as Belle and Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens as the Beast.
Luke Evans will play arrogant hunter and love rival Gaston, while Josh Gad and Kevin Kline will take on the roles of Gaston’s bumbling servant LeFou and Belle’s inventor father Maurice respectively.
Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken will be re-recording songs from the original film along with fresh material from himself and Sir Tim Rice.
Stephen Chbosky, who worked with Watson on The Perks of Being A Wallflower, is writing the script and shooting is scheduled to begin at Shepperton Studios in London this May.
Watson confirmed her role on Twitter in January, writing that Beauty and the Beast was “such a big part of [her] growing up”.
“My six-year-old self is on the ceiling – heart bursting,” she said. “Time to start some singing lessons. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
There is no word on a UK release date as of yet but the US one has now been set for 17 March 2017.
The Disney live-action remake of Cinderella is currently topping the US box office, starring Lily James and Richard Madden.
It was revealed last week that Tim Burton will also be directing a modern version of Dumbo, while a reboot of The Jungle Book is also in the pipeline.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments