The news of the Disney+ series comes as fans all over the world celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic animated 1991 classic! Stars Luke Evans and Josh Gad will be reprising their roles as Gaston and LeFou (Louie) in the eight-episode prequel. Briana Middleton will also be joining Beauty and the Beast as Louie’s stepsister, Tilly.
The show will be developed, executive-produced, and written by Gad, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz, who each serve as a co-showrunner. Liesl Tommy serves as an executive producer as well as directs the first episode. The series will feature an original soundtrack from Alan Menken, who will also act as an executive producer, while the lyrics for the first episode will be by Glenn Slater.
“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,” said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Branded Television, in a press release.
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.
“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,” added 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,” expressed 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.”
Production is set to begin in spring 2022.