Beauty and the Beast is the latest Disney classic to get the live-action treatment, and not too long ago; I attended a press conference featuring: Emma Watson, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Dan Stevens, and others. Throughout the Q&A with the cast and crew, I managed to gather some fun facts that I think you will enjoy.
So be our guest . . .
Here are 5 Fun Facts About the Cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast:
1. Audra McDonald’s ( who plays Madame Garderobe ) daughter asked for donations to charities instead of presents because of the impact Emma Watson had on her.
When asked about the impact Emma Watson has had on today’s youth, Audra stated: “I said yes the minute that Disney called because you say yes when Disney calls. If they told me that, you know, you were going to sell churros in the park, I’d be like, yeah, I’m there, let’s do it. But knowing that not only did it have this incredible creative team but that Emma Watson was going to be Belle, and knowing how much Emma has affected girls of my daughter’s age… …my daughter is someone who would rather have people donate money to charities for her birthday gifts instead of presents”.
2. Belle was a major inspiration to Emma Watson during her childhood.
When asked about how Belle has been an inspiring to multiple generations, Emma Watson added: ” It’s remarkable to play someone that had an influence on the woman that I have become. I think the first time I saw Paige O’Hara sing Belle (Reprise), you know, it’s kind of the song of all songs. And I just immediately resonated with her. I mean, I was so young I didn’t even know what I was tapping into but there was something about that spirit, there was something about that energy that I just knew she was my champion”.
3. Josh Gad had a lot to say about his horse-riding experience on the set for Beauty and the Beast.
When asked about Josh and Luke’s experience on the horses, Josh stated: “So Luke and I are walking through the village on our horses, and on action, all our horses need to do is walk side by side, it’s so simple. Luke’s horse does it. The two of them worked on The Hobbit together, Three Musketeers, have this incredible background”. “We share a trailer” Luke jokingly added as Josh Gad continued by saying “Mine is a cold-blooded killer. And he proceeded to moonwalk; he walked backward. Then, he ran through various extras in the village, ran around – I didn’t even know it was possible – but ran through pillars around, up and back again. I heard “cut” and I heard laughing, and the laughter was coming from the horse’s trainer, and he came up to me, and he goes, “I’m so sorry. I’ve never seen this happen before.” Ironically, my horse’s name was Buddy. He’s nobody’s buddy”. Josh jokingly added, “I’m begging Disney to press charges against him, and I’ve told my agents to never send me another script with a horse in it again. In the Beauty and the Beast sequel I’ll be driving a Delorean”.
4. Bill Condon, director of the film, wanted to achieve maximum diversity on screen for Beauty and the Beast.
When asked about the controversy involving the sexuality of Le Fou, Bill stated: “It’s a translation to 2017, and what this movie is about. What this story has always been about. For 300 years it’s about looking closer, going deeper, accepting people for who they are, and in a very Disney way we are including everybody. I think this movie is for everybody, and on the screen, you’ll see everybody, and that was important to me, I think to all of us”.
5. It’s revealed that according to the original tale, the Beast’s name was not Adam, so the cast all shared what they would rename the Beast if they were given a chance. Emma would name the Beast: ‘Beastie.’ Josh Gad stated that he would name the Beast ‘Vladimir because “He wants to make friends with the Russians.” And Luke added that he’d give the Beast a simple name like ‘Bill.’
Beauty and the Beast arrives in theaters March 17th, so be sure to relive the tale as old as time!
Until Next Time.
JJ King
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