Disney+ Announces a New "Beauty and the Beast" Musical Series

Disney+ has announced a new musical series, Beauty and the Beast (working title), from Disney Branded Television and ABC Signature starring Luke Evans, Josh Gad, and Briana Middleton.

Photo credit: Hannah Hall, Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images, Tim Palen

What’s Happening:

Disney+ has a new eight-episode Beauty and the Beast musical series in the works that will take place years before the original film following Gaston (Luke Evans), LeFou aka Louie (Josh Gad), and LeFou’s stepsister, Tilly (Briana Middleton), as they set off on a journey after a revelation about Tilly’s past is revealed.
Alan Menken will create an original soundtrack for the series and will also serve as executive producer.
Production is set to begin in spring 2022.

About the Series:

“Set in the iconic kingdom of Beauty and the Beast years before the Beast and Belle's epic romance, the series will follow 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.”
Beauty and the Beast will star Luke Evans (The Alienist) and Josh Gad (Frozen 2), reprising their roles as Gaston and LeFou (Louie), and introduce Briana Middleton (The Tender Bar) as Louie's stepsister, Tilly.
Lyrics for the first episode will be by Glenn Slater (Tangled).
The series is developed, executive-produced, and written by Josh Gad, Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz (Once Upon a Time), each serving as a co-showrunner.
The series’ creative team also includes Liesl Tommy (Eclipsed, Respect), as an executive producer and will direct the first episode.

What They’re Saying:

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Branded Television: “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.”
Jonnie Davis, president, ABC Signature: “There are few more precious gems in the Disney library than this iconic franchise, and this prequel is both a love letter to what’s come before and its own spectacular adventure. Josh, Eddy and Adam’s vision gives us a window into the origin of Luke’s Gaston and Josh’s LeFou with the twist of a new partner in crime—Tilly, played by the luminous Briana Middleton. This dream team would not be complete without the genius Alan Menken returning to write even more glorious music for the franchise he helped create. We’re so grateful to Gary, Ayo, Michael and everyone at Disney Branded Television and Disney+ for their unwavering support. We cannot wait to start shooting.”
Michael Paull, president, Disney+ and ESPN+: “For three decades, this tale as old as time has inspired generations of fans around the world. We can’t wait to welcome our guests back to the magical and musical world of Beauty and the Beast for an all new chapter with LeFou, Gaston, and a fantastic new cast of characters.”