ABC is continuing with a Disney trend, by honoring a classic animated film in a live special. “The Little Mermaid” in 2019 garnered lots of positive reception. This time, the network is celebrating “Beauty and The Beast“, and they’ve cast Belle! Grammy-winning recording artist H.E.R. will be taking on the iconic role!
“I can’t believe I get to be a part of the Beauty and the Beast legacy. The world will see a Black and Filipino Belle,” H.E.R. said. “I have always wanted to be a Disney princess, and I get to work with two wonderful directors Hamish Hamilton and my favorite, Jon M. Chu. It is very surreal and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
The show will have both live-action musical numbers as well as scenes from the animated film. Just like they did with “The Little Mermaid,” which you can watch now on Disney+. This will be the first time that an Afro-Filipina woman takes on the role of Belle on screen. Additional cast members will be announced at a later date.
This show will celebrate “Beauty and the Beast’s” 30th anniversary since becoming an animated film. The production will air December 15th, 2022.
