Unveiling the Captivating Cast of Beauty and the Beast (2017 Film)
The highly anticipated Beauty and the Beast (2017 Film) was a live-action retelling of Disney’s animated classic, which premiered in 1991. With a cast of talented actors and a production budget of over $255 million, it was an effort to redefine the beloved story and bring it to a new generation of audiences. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the cast members who brought the story to life.
Emma Watson as Belle
The lead role of Belle was given to Emma Watson, the British actress best known for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series. Watson’s casting created a lot of buzz among fans, given her reputation as a strong advocate for gender equality, which perfectly aligned with Belle’s character. To prepare for the role, Watson took voice lessons, learned how to ride a horse, and even practiced dancing in a corset in order to get into character.
Dan Stevens as the Beast
Dan Stevens, the English actor, and producer, brought his signature charm and wit to the character of the Beast. He was able to capture both the ferocity and tenderness of the character, making him a compelling figure on screen. Stevens had to put on considerable weight and undergo several hours of makeup work to transform into the Beast, but his performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike.
Luke Evans as Gaston
The narcissistic Gaston was brought to life by Welsh actor Luke Evans, known for his roles in the films The Hobbit and Fast & Furious 6. Playing Gaston was a challenge for Evans, who had to find a way to make the character both lovable and detestable at the same time. His powerful singing voice, along with his strong acting skills, made him a perfect fit for the role.
Josh Gad as LeFou
Comedian and actor Josh Gad tackled the role of LeFou, Gaston’s comic sidekick. In promoting the film, director Bill Condon sparked controversy after revealing that Gad’s character LeFou was gay. Regardless, Gad’s portrayal of the character was praised for its comedic timing and his performance of the song “Gaston.”
Ewan McGregor as Lumiere
The charming and suave Lumiere was played by Scottish actor Ewan McGregor. His singing voice and French accent, as well as his great chemistry with co-star Ian McKellen (who played Cogsworth), made him one of the standout characters in the film. McGregor had to act while wearing stilts to replicate Lumiere’s famously long legs, but he carried the role with ease.
Conclusion
The casting choices for Beauty and the Beast (2017 Film) were spot on, with each actor bringing their own unique talents to their roles. Emma Watson showed her range and dedication, Dan Stevens made a fantastical character relatable and sympathetic, Luke Evan’s machismo was perfectly balanced with his comedic timing, Josh Gad brought laughs and heart, and Ewan McGregor played his role with style and charisma. Together, they made a captivating ensemble that brought the beloved tale to life on the big screen.
