ABC is planning a two-hour, live-action/animated “Beauty and the Beast” special to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved Disney animated classic’s history-making Best Picture Oscar nomination.
Jon M. Chu (“In the Heights,” “Wicked”) is on board to executive produce the project, which will be directed by Hamish Hamilton (“The Little Mermaid Live”).
The special will feature never-before-seen musical performances, new sets and costumes inspired by the classic story. Each performance will pay homage to the original animated favorite while also adding to its iconic story.
Songs from the original animated classic will be performed in front of a live audience at Disney Studios. It will air December 15th on the broadcast network and then stream on Disney+ the next day.
The special comes as the planned “Beauty and the Beast” prequel series, starring Josh Gad and Luke Evans, was scrapped earlier this year and is not expected to move forward despite $50 million reportedly being already invested into the production.
Source: THR
