The Three Belles: What’s Next For Disney’s Live-Action Beauty And The Beast Franchise (2025 Update)
The story of Belle, the bookish village girl who finds love with a cursed prince, has become a cornerstone of Disney’s live-action strategy, evolving far beyond the record-breaking 2017 film. As of December 2025, the narrative of the *Beauty and the Beast* live-action universe is split across three distinct eras: the celebrated original remake, a historic televised special, and a highly anticipated, yet turbulent, villain-focused spin-off. Fans are eager for a direct sequel starring Emma Watson, but the latest developments point to a different, more surprising future for the franchise.
The success of the 2017 film, which grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, solidified Belle's place as a modern live-action icon, but the character has since been reinterpreted in a groundbreaking special, and her world is now the focus of a major new cinematic project. This in-depth look explores every current and upcoming live-action portrayal of Belle and her world, revealing the unexpected direction Disney is taking with one of its most beloved princesses.
The New Belle: H.E.R.’s Historic Portrayal and Full Cast Profile
While Emma Watson's performance is the most recognized live-action version, the most recent and arguably most significant portrayal of Belle came from the Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) in the 2022 special, *Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration*. This event was a hybrid of animation and live-action, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1991 animated film’s historic Oscar nomination.
H.E.R.'s casting was groundbreaking, as she became the first Black and Filipino person to play the role of Belle in a major Disney production. The special was praised for its creative staging, new musical performances, and diverse cast, offering a fresh perspective on the classic Disney canon.
H.E.R. (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) - Belle Profile:
- Full Name: Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson
- Stage Name: H.E.R. (Having Everything Revealed)
- Role: Belle (in *Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration*)
- Significance: First Black and Filipino actress to portray Belle in a major Disney production.
- Accolades: Multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year nominations.
- Date of Special: December 15, 2022 (ABC).
Key Cast of *Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration*:
- Beast: Josh Groban
- Gaston: Joshua Henry
- Lumière: Martin Short
- Cogsworth: David Alan Grier
- Mrs. Potts: Shania Twain
- Narrator: Rita Moreno
- LeFou: Rizwan Manji
The special, directed by Hamish Hamilton, proved that the core themes of the story—inner beauty, acceptance, and the power of literature—remain timeless, regardless of the performer.
The 2017 Legacy: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and the Sequel Question
The 2017 *Beauty and the Beast* live-action film, directed by Bill Condon, is still the definitive cinematic version of the story. It successfully expanded the animated world, giving Belle (Emma Watson) and the Beast (Dan Stevens) deeper backstories and motivations. The film was a cultural phenomenon and a box office juggernaut, earning over $1.2 billion globally.
Despite its massive success, a direct cinematic sequel focusing on Belle and the Prince’s life post-curse has never officially been announced. This is a common pattern for Disney’s live-action remakes, which often pivot to spin-offs or prequels rather than continuing the original story’s timeline. Fan demand for a *Beauty and the Beast 2* starring Watson and Stevens remains high, but Disney's development slate is currently focused elsewhere.
The 2017 film introduced several key elements that expanded the lore, including the enchanted objects' human backstories and a more detailed look at Belle's life in the small French village. The performances of Luke Evans as Gaston and Josh Gad as LeFou were particularly memorable, setting the stage for the next major development.
The Future: Gaston’s Live-Action Film and the Fate of 'Little Town'
The most significant and current news regarding the *Beauty and the Beast* live-action universe is the official development of a new film centered on the arrogant hunter, Gaston. This project has undergone a significant transformation, moving from a multi-episode Disney+ prequel series to a feature-length movie.
The project was initially conceived as a Disney+ series titled *Little Town*, which would have explored the lives of Gaston and LeFou before the events of the main story. This series was set to star Luke Evans and Josh Gad, reprising their roles from the 2017 film, with a planned soundtrack by Alan Menken. However, in early 2022, the series was put on an indefinite hold due to creative and scheduling issues.
The Shift to a Feature Film:
As of the latest reports, Disney has officially decided to re-tool the concept into a live-action *Gaston* film. This shift from a streaming series to a theatrical or major streaming movie suggests a renewed commitment to the project, positioning it as a major entry in the Disney live-action slate.
The new film is expected to delve into the origins of the iconic villain, exploring his hubris, his relationship with LeFou, and the dynamics of the small French village that idolized him. The decision to focus on a villain's backstory is a trend Disney has successfully pursued with films like *Maleficent* and *Cruella*.
Key Details on the Gaston Spin-off:
- Original Title: *Little Town* (Planned Disney+ Series)
- Current Status: In development as a live-action feature film.
- Focus: A prequel story centered on Gaston and LeFou.
- Casting Uncertainty: Early reports indicate that Disney may be seeking a new actor for the role of Gaston, meaning Luke Evans might not reprise the part. This decision is a major point of discussion among fans and industry insiders.
- Creative Team: The project is expected to continue its development with a focus on a musical narrative, connecting it directly to the 2017 film's aesthetic.
While Belle herself may not be the central figure in this new film, her influence—and the culture of the town she yearns to escape—will be the backdrop for the entire narrative. The success of the *Gaston* movie will likely determine if Disney ever returns to the Emma Watson-led storyline for a proper sequel.
Topical Authority and The Expanding Live-Action Universe
The evolution of the *Beauty and the Beast* live-action franchise is a microcosm of Disney’s wider strategy for its animated classics. Instead of direct sequels, the studio is prioritizing "topical authority" by exploring the peripheral characters, world-building, and alternative interpretations of the source material.
The existence of two distinct live-action Belles (Emma Watson and H.E.R.) within a five-year span demonstrates the character's enduring appeal and Disney’s willingness to embrace diverse casting in non-cinematic specials. The H.E.R. special, which also featured Josh Groban as the Beast and Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, serves as a high-profile, non-canonical continuation that keeps the property fresh in the public consciousness.
The pivot to a *Gaston* film, rather than a *Beauty and the Beast 2*, aligns with Disney's strategy to maximize its intellectual property by giving villains and secondary characters their own spotlights. This approach allows the studio to expand the universe without risking the integrity of the original, beloved 2017 film. Fans of the 2017 movie will be closely watching the *Gaston* film's development, as it represents the only confirmed cinematic continuation of that specific live-action world.
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