More news out of day one for D23 Expo 2022. Josh Groban, Joshua Henry, and Rita Morena join the cast of the upcoming Beauty and the Beast: a 30th Celebration Special!
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A 30TH CELEBRATION SPECIAL
2022 marks the 30th anniversary of when Disney Animations Beauty and the Beast became the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The film did win a Golden Globe for Best Picture – Musical or Comedy. While the theme song, Beauty and the Beast did win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
So, it’s a no-brainer that this film is worth celebrating! Beauty and the Beast: a 30th Celebration Special is a one-night-only event that is presented by The Wonderful World of Disney. The special will be a 2-hour reimaging of the beloved tale taped in front of a live audience at Disney Studios.
The Beauty and The Beast special will air on Thursday, December 15th, 2022 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC and on Disney+ the next day.
EXCITING CASTING UPDATES!
With all this exciting casting news, who is playing what? Well, as we know, Josh Groban is a Tony®-, Emmy®– and GRAMMY®-nominated artist. He also previously recorded a song for the Beauty and the Beast live-action film. However, this time around he will be playing the Beast.
Tony- and GRAMMY-nominated acclaimed Broadway star Joshua Henry is set to play antagonist Gaston.
Then, EGOT winner and legend Rita Moreno will serve as the night’s narrator, taking viewers on a journey through the classic enchanting tale.
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED CASTING
As previously announced, five-time GRAMMY- and Academy Award®-winning singer-songwriter H.E.R. will play the role of Belle.
Executive producing is Jon M. Chu with Hamish Hamilton set to direct. The additional talented cast, whose performances will be seamlessly woven through the original feature film, will be announced at a later date.