No one does a prequel like Gaston. Now we’ll see just how charming he was before Belle met the Beast. Disney+ has announced a prequel series set before the original Beauty and the Beast story from ABC Signature and Disney Branded Television.
Luke Evans and Josh Gad would reprise their roles from the live action film. Briana Taylor has also been cast as Louie’s stepsister, Tilly. Gad will also serve as executive producer along with co-showrunners Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (“Once Upon a Time”) and Tony Award-nominated director Liesl Tommy. Composer Alan Menken will also produce and work on the original soundtrack. Glen Slater will provide lyrics for the first episode.
As far as the story goes, it will be set years before the tale that we know. It follows: “Gaston and LeFou as they set off with LeFou’s step-sister, 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.”
“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.
The eight episode limited series is not set to begin shooting until Spring of 2022. So it might be a while before we see this one. Something tells me that it will be worth the wait. It might also be a while before there are any updates, but we’ll still have them.
Photos: L to R: Josh Gad, Briana Middleton, Luke Evans Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images, Hannah Hall, Tim Palen