The enchanting tale of "Beauty And The Beast" is celebrating 25 years since its movie debut. The Disney animated movie, which became a Best Picture contender at the Oscars in 1991, will get a live action treatment with Emma Watson playing Belle. It is set to debut on March 2017.
In preparing for her role as the Disney princess, Emma Watson took points from Paige O'Hara, who originally lent her voice to Belle in the '90s animation. Here are other facts you didn't know from "Beauty And The Beast:"
1. Paige O'Hara Sent Emma Watson Messages
Paige O'Hara approves of the casting of Emma Watson as Belle. In fact, she took time to reach out and communicate with the "Harry Potter" actress. "I sent messages to her, and I got some back," said O'Hara, via USA Today. "I just said to have a great time."
Emma Watson as Belle in Beauty & The Beast pic.twitter.com/cl7zTxBP8c
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2. Beast Doesn't Have A Real Name
IMDb lists the Beast's name as Prince Adam, which was the character from the "Beauty And The Beast" sequels that went straight to video. But the truth is that Beast doesn't have a first name in the original cartoons. "We didn't name him, because he was a beast for 98% of the movie," said Gary Trousdale, the director of the 90s "Beauty And The Beast."
3. Belle Is The Oldest Disney Princess
The bookworm is at least in her early 20s when other Disney princesses are in their teens. Animators drew inspiration from actresses Alyssa Milano and Jennie Garth for Belle's likeness. Interestingly enough, Emma Watson was only a year old when the "Beauty And The Beast" animation ran in theaters. Two decades later, at 25, she's the face of Belle in the live action treatment.
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4. Gaston Is Not Dead
The actor who voiced Gaston in the animated "Beauty And The Beast" believes that his character survived that fall. "Did you see a body? I never saw a body, and I'm waiting to find out" if he's is still alive," said Richard White via USA Today. Gaston is played by Luke Evans in the live action and has demonstrated his singing prowess in a previous Parent Herald report. Could his character's fate change in the new adaptation?
Emma Watson as Belle pic.twitter.com/MHiu3souLh
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5. Angela Lansbury Sang The Theme Song On First Take
Angela Lansbury's voice as Mrs. Potts is heard singing the popular "Beauty And The Beast" theme song in the animation. This was done on first take and even after Lansbury came from a four-hour flight. Watch and listen to the scene where Mrs. Potts sings in this video below:
