From the dashing Gaston to Cogsworth and Lumiere, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast isn’t lacking in iconic characters, and over the weekend, the Mouse House premiered a theatrical new poster featuring the ensemble cast in their respective human forms.
Ewan McGregor, for instance, can be seen as Lumiere, while the great Emma Thompson is on board as Mrs. Potts. Elsewhere, the stylish one-sheet also offers a peek at Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, Audra McDonald as Gaderobe, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette. It is, without question, a star-studded lineup, but Belle (Emma Watson) and the Beast (Dan Stevens) are really the beating heart of Bill Condon’s enchanting reboot.
During last night’s Golden Globes ceremony, we also got an all-new TV spot for Beauty and the Beast (see above) wherein Watson’s Belle flaunts her delicate voice. It’s by no means the first time that we’ve seen the British actress belt out a tune from the film’s soundtrack – one composed, in part, by Alan Menken – and though it’s too soon to assess Watson’s singing ability, there’s no question that the former Harry Potter star has embraced the part of Belle with arms wide open.
The big question now involves Beast‘s box office forecasts. The Jungle Book has invariably set the bar very high – too high, perhaps? – but the general buzz going into the film’s March release date, not to mention the staggering number of views garnered by the original teaser, ought to give Bill Condon and Co. some confidence ahead of launch.
On March 17, Disney will cordially invite one and all to experience Beauty and the Beast on the big screen like never before.
