Exploring the Cast of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ -Disney’s 2017 live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” captivated audiences worldwide with its enchanting storytelling and stellar performances. Directed by Bill Condon, the film brought together a talented ensemble cast that breathed new life into the beloved characters of the classic animated film. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the primary cast members, their respective roles, and the impact of their performances on the film’s success.
Emma Watson as Belle
Emma Watson, renowned for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series, took on the iconic role of Belle, the intelligent and independent young woman who finds herself in an unexpected adventure. Watson’s portrayal was lauded for its depth and authenticity, capturing Belle’s curiosity and compassion. Her performance resonated with audiences, contributing to the film’s global success.
Dan Stevens as the Beast
Dan Stevens, known for his work in “Downton Abbey” and “The Guest,” portrayed the Beast, a prince cursed to live as a monstrous creature until he learns to love and be loved. Through a combination of motion capture technology and his nuanced acting, Stevens brought emotional complexity to the character, making the Beast’s journey both compelling and heartfelt.
Luke Evans as Gaston
Luke Evans, celebrated for roles in “The Hobbit” trilogy and “Dracula Untold,” embodied Gaston, the charming yet arrogant hunter who vies for Belle’s affection. Evans’ charismatic performance added a layer of complexity to Gaston, portraying him as both a formidable antagonist and a product of his own insecurities.
Kevin Kline as Maurice
Kevin Kline, an Academy Award-winning actor known for films like “A Fish Called Wanda” and “The Big Chill,” played Maurice, Belle’s loving and eccentric father. Kline’s portrayal added warmth and depth to the character, highlighting the father-daughter bond at the heart of the story.
Josh Gad as LeFou
Josh Gad, recognized for his roles in “Frozen” and “The Wedding Ringer,” took on the role of LeFou, Gaston’s loyal sidekick. Gad’s performance infused LeFou with humor and loyalty, providing both comic relief and moments of genuine camaraderie.
6. Ewan McGregor as Lumière
Ewan McGregor, known for “Moulin Rouge!” and “Trainspotting,” portrayed Lumière, the charismatic maître d’ transformed into a candelabra. McGregor’s performance was celebrated for its charm and energy, capturing Lumière’s flirtatious and optimistic nature.
Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza
Stanley Tucci, acclaimed for roles in “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Hunger Games,” played Maestro Cadenza, the castle’s harpsichord. Tucci’s comedic timing and expressive performance added levity and warmth to the film, making Maestro Cadenza a memorable character.
Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe
Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony Award winner, took on the role of Madame de Garderobe, the opera singer turned wardrobe. McDonald’s powerful vocals and stage presence brought grandeur and elegance to the character, enriching the film’s musical elements.
Ian McKellen as Cogsworth
Sir Ian McKellen, renowned for his performances in “The Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men,” portrayed Cogsworth, the castle’s loyal butler transformed into a mantel clock. McKellen’s dignified and humorous portrayal added depth to Cogsworth, highlighting his steadfastness and eventual warmth.
Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts
Academy Award-winning actress Emma Thompson, known for “Sense and Sensibility” and “Love Actually,” played Mrs. Potts, the kindly housekeeper turned teapot. Thompson’s nurturing demeanor and emotive singing brought a maternal quality to Mrs. Potts, endearing her to audiences.
Supporting Cast and Ensemble
Beyond the primary cast, “Beauty and the Beast” featured a talented ensemble that contributed to the film’s rich tapestry:
Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette: The feather duster and Lumière’s love interest, Mbatha-Raw’s performance added a touch of elegance and flirtation to the narrative.
Hattie Morahan as the Enchantress: The mysterious figure whose curse sets the story in motion, Morahan’s portrayal was pivotal in establishing the film’s magical premise.
Ray Fearon as the Narrator: Providing the film’s opening narration, Fearon’s voice set the tone for the enchanting tale.
Haydn Gwynne as Madame de la Grande Bouche: The opera singer turned wardrobe, Gwynne’s character added flair and humor to the ensemble.
Behind the Scenes: Directors and Creators
The film’s success was also attributed to the vision of its creators:
Bill Condon (Director): Known for directing “Dreamgirls” and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn,” Condon’s vision brought depth and grandeur to the live-action adaptation
David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (Producers): The duo’s production expertise ensured a seamless blend of storytelling and spectacle.
Stephen Chbosky (Screenwriter): Chbosky’s script added layers to the characters, making them resonate with both new audiences and fans of the original animated film.
Musical Contributions
The film’s music played a crucial role in its storytelling:
Alan Menken (Composer): Returning from the original animated film, Menken’s compositions provided a nostalgic yet fresh musical experience.
Tim Rice (Lyricist): Collaborating with Menken
Disney’s 2017 live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” captivated audiences worldwide with its enchanting storytelling and stellar performances. Directed by Bill Condon, the film brought together a talented ensemble cast that breathed new life into the beloved characters of the classic animated film. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the primary cast members, their respective roles, and the impact of their performances on the film’s success.
Emma Watson as Belle
Emma Watson, renowned for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series, took on the iconic role of Belle, the intelligent and independent young woman who finds herself in an unexpected adventure. Watson’s portrayal was lauded for its depth and authenticity, capturing Belle’s curiosity and compassion. Her performance resonated with audiences, contributing to the film’s global success.
Dan Stevens as the Beast
Dan Stevens, known for his work in “Downton Abbey” and “The Guest,” portrayed the Beast, a prince cursed to live as a monstrous creature until he learns to love and be loved. Through a combination of motion capture technology and his nuanced acting, Stevens brought emotional complexity to the character, making the Beast’s journey both compelling and heartfelt.
Luke Evans as Gaston
Luke Evans, celebrated for roles in “The Hobbit” trilogy and “Dracula Untold,” embodied Gaston, the charming yet arrogant hunter who vies for Belle’s affection. Evans’ charismatic performance added a layer of complexity to Gaston, portraying him as both a formidable antagonist and a product of his own insecurities. Evans later reflected on his portrayal, acknowledging the challenges of embodying such a character and the pressures of maintaining a certain physical appearance for the role.
Kevin Kline as Maurice
Kevin Kline, an Academy Award-winning actor known for films like “A Fish Called Wanda” and “The Big Chill,” played Maurice, Belle’s loving and eccentric father. Kline’s portrayal added warmth and depth to the character, highlighting the father-daughter bond at the heart of the story.
Josh Gad as LeFou
Josh Gad, recognized for his roles in “Frozen” and “The Wedding Ringer,” took on the role of LeFou, Gaston’s loyal sidekick. Gad’s performance infused LeFou with humor and loyalty, providing both comic relief and moments of genuine camaraderie. The film introduced a brief “exclusively gay moment” involving LeFou, which sparked significant discussion and controversy. Gad later addressed the backlash, stating that he never intended to portray LeFou as gay and that the representation was minimal.
Ewan McGregor as Lumière
Ewan McGregor, known for “Moulin Rouge!” and “Trainspotting,” portrayed Lumière, the charismatic maître d’ transformed into a candelabra. McGregor’s performance was celebrated for its charm and energy, capturing Lumière’s flirtatious and optimistic nature.
Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza
Stanley Tucci, acclaimed for roles in “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Hunger Games,” played Maestro Cadenza, the castle’s harpsichord. Tucci’s comedic timing and expressive performance added levity and warmth to the film, making Maestro Cadenza a memorable character.
Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe
Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony Award winner, took on the role of Madame de Garderobe, the opera singer turned wardrobe. McDonald’s powerful vocals and stage presence brought grandeur and elegance to the character, enriching the film’s musical elements.
Ian McKellen as Cogsworth
Sir Ian McKellen, renowned for his performances in “The Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men,” portrayed Cogsworth, the castle’s loyal butler transformed into a mantel clock. McKellen’s dignified and humorous portrayal added depth to Cogsworth, highlighting his steadfastness and eventual warmth.
Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts
Academy Award-winning actress Emma Thompson, known for “Sense and Sensibility” and “Love Actually,” played Mrs. Potts, the kindly housekeeper turned teapot. Thompson’s nurturing demeanor and emotive singing brought a maternal quality to Mrs. Potts, endearing her to audiences.
Supporting Cast and Ensemble
Beyond the primary cast, “Beauty and the Beast” featured a talented ensemble that contributed to the film’s rich tapestry:
Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette: The feather duster and Lumière’s love interest, Mbatha-Raw’s performance added a touch of elegance and flirtation to the narrative.
Hattie Morahan as the Enchantress: The mysterious figure whose curse sets the story in motion, Morahan’s portrayal was pivotal in establishing the film’s magical premise.
Ray Fearon as the Narrator: Providing the film’s opening narration, Fearon’s voice set the tone for the enchanting tale.
Haydn Gwynne as Madame de la Grande Bouche: The opera singer turned wardrobe, Gwynne’s character added flair and humor to the ensemble.
Behind the Scenes: Directors and Creators
The film’s success was also attributed to the vision of its creators:
Bill Condon (Director): Known for directing “Dreamgirls” and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn,” Condon’s vision brought depth and grandeur to the live-action adaptation.
David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman (Producers): The duo’s production expertise ensured a seamless blend of storytelling and spectacle.
Stephen Chbosky (Screenwriter): Chbosky’s script added layers to the characters, making them resonate with both new audiences and fans of the original animated film
FAQS
Disney’s 2017 live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” brought together a talented ensemble cast to retell the classic fairy tale. Here are some frequently asked questions about the film’s cast:
Who played Belle in the 2017 “Beauty and the Beast”?
British actress Emma Watson portrayed Belle, the intelligent and independent young woman who finds herself in the enchanted castle of the Beast. Watson is renowned for her roles in the “Harry Potter” series and her advocacy for women’s rights.
Who was cast as the Beast?
English actor Dan Stevens took on the role of the Beast. Stevens is known for his performances in “Downton Abbey” and “Legion.” He portrayed the Beast using motion-capture technology, blending his physical performance with CGI to bring the character to life.
Who played Gaston and LeFou?
Welsh actor Luke Evans played Gaston, while Josh Gad portrayed LeFou, Gaston’s loyal sidekick. Evans is recognized for his roles in “The Hobbit” trilogy and “Fast & Furious 7,” and Gad is known for his work in “Frozen” and “The Book of Mormon.” IMDb+2 Wikipedia+2IMDb+2
Who were the other main cast members?
The film featured several notable actors in supporting roles:IMDb+3 Wikipedia+3IMDb+3
Kevin Kline as Maurice: Belle’s loving and eccentric father.
Ewan McGregor as Lumière: The charming maître d’ transformed into a candelabra.Wikipedia
Ian McKellen as Cogsworth: The loyal butler turned into a mantel clock.Wikipedia
Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts: The kind-hearted housekeeper transformed into a teapot.
Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe: The opera singer turned wardrobe.Wikipedia
Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza: The neurotic composer turned harpsichord.Wikipedia
Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette: The feather duster and Lumière’s love interest.Wikipedia
Nathan Mack as Chip: The young teacup and Mrs. Potts’s son.Wikipedia+1Just Jared+1
Hattie Morahan as Agathe / Enchantress: The mysterious woman who curses the Prince.Wikipedia
Were there any notable cameos or lesser-known cast members?
Yes, the film included several supporting characters portrayed by notable actors:
Haydn Gwynne as Clothilde: A fishmonger and Gaston’s admirer.
Ray Fearon as Père Robert: The village priest who
Gerard Horan as Jean Potts: Chip’s father and husband to Mrs. Potts.
Adrian Schiller as Monsieur D’Arque: The sinister asylum keeper.
Michael Jibson as Tavern Keeper: The owner of the local tavern.
Zoë Rainey as Belle’s Mother: Featured in flashbacks depicting Belle’s childhood.
Did any of the original animated film’s voice actors make appearances?
Yes, several voice actors from the original 1991 animated film made cameo appearances:Wikipedia
Paige O’Hara, who voiced Belle in the original, appeared as the woman in the village who buys the rose.
Robby Benson, the original Beast, voiced the character of the Beast’s father in a flashback scene.
Jerry Orbach, who voiced Lumière, was honored with a dedication in the film’s credits.
How was the casting received by audiences and critics?
The casting received generally positive reviews. Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle was praised for bringing depth and intelligence to the character. Dan Stevens’s performance as the Beast, combining motion-capture with emotional depth, was also well-received. The supporting cast, including Luke Evans and Josh Gad, added to the film’s charm and appeal.
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