Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic; Nicky J Sims/Getty Images; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
ABC’sBeauty and the Beast30th anniversary specialhas invited a few more guests to the table!
Rounding out the cast areSchitt’s Creek’s Rizwan Manji as LeFou, Broadway vet Jon Jon Briones as Maurice and young performer Leo Abelo as Chip.
It was previously announced in July that Grammy-winning R&B performerH.E.R.wastapped to playBeast’s leading lady Belle.
“I can’t believe I get to be a part of theBeauty and the Beastlegacy,” said the 25-year-old musician, who was born Gabriella Wilson. “The world will see a Black and Filipino Belle!”
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“I have always wanted to be a Disney princess,” she continued. “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.”
Last month, ABC additionally revealed that Grammy, Emmy and Tony nomineeJosh Grobanwill play the titular Beast to H.E.R.’s Belle.
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The live-action special was firstannouncedin early July.
“Stacked with unforgettable performances, this will be a must-see special event for fans of the original and for the new generation being introduced to this cherished tale,” ABC Entertainment President Craig Erwich toldThe Hollywood Reporterat the time.
Crazy Rich Asiansdirector Chu will executive produce, andSuper Bowl Halftime Showdirector Hamilton will call the shots.
“Beauty and the Beastwas always a game-changing cinematic experience for me,” Chu toldTHR.“When the animated movie came out, I watched it multiple times in the first weekend.”
Walt Disney Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
“It showed me the outer limits of what animated artists and storytellers could achieve,” continued Chu. “So the fact that I get to executive produce a tribute to all the creatives that made this masterpiece through our Electric Somewhere company is a dream I didn’t even think was possible.”
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ABC’sBeauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration Specialairs Dec. 15 on ABC.
Lanford Beard
source: people.com
