ABC is gearing up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s beloved animated featureBeauty and the Beastwith a special anniversary program next month. Ahead of the special’s premiere, the network has shared the official poster. It features the two leads, award-winning singersH.E.R.andJosh Groban.
H.E.R. and Groban play the titular roles of Belle and the cursed prince-turned-beast. The poster features them sporting their characters' respective colors, paying homage to the Disney characters' costumes during their “Tale as Old as Time” dance scene in the movie. They’re poised atop oversized books with what looks to be the ballroom in the background, two other noteworthy symbols of Belle and the Beast’s story. The poster also showcases their animated counterparts. Not only does it continue to emphasize their characters, but it also maintains the live-action/animated blend that will be part of the special. It promises a “spectacle” with “100% Disney magic.”
Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebrationwill be a two-hour-long special meant to pay tribute to the original animated feature and the legacy it has left behind. It will present the original but include additional, never-before-seen musical performances, with each performer bringing their own surprises to viewers. It will also showcase new sets and costume designs inspired by the movie. Songs from the original version will be performed live at Disney Studios.
RELATED:Here’s Why Disney Animation’s Classics Work So Perfectly on Broadway
Beauty and the Beastfirst debuted in 1991 and follows a young woman named Belle who becomes the Beast’s prisoner in order to protect her father. As the Beast aims to break his curse and Belle settles in for a lengthy stay, the pair soon grow close to one another. The following year, the film made history as it became the first animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars, ultimately bringing home Best Original Song and Original Score. It later received a live-action remake in 2017, along with a number of additional variations that brought their own spin to the classic tale.
Additional cast for the special includesRita Morenoas the voice of the narrator,Shania Twainas Mrs. Potts,Martin Shortas Lumière,David Alan Grieras Cogsworth, andJoshua Henryas Gaston. It is executive produced byJon M. Chu,Hamish Hamilton,Caitlin Foito,Raj Kapoor,Richard Kraft, andKaty Mullan. Done+Dusted is producing in association with Walt Disney Television Alternative and Electric Somewhere. Hamilton serves as director.
Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebrationairs on Thursday, December 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. It will stream the next day on Disney+. Check out the new poster below:
