Disney+'s Beauty And The Beast Prequel Series Isn't Happening Anytime Soon

Gaston is famous for complaining that books are unreadable because there are no pictures in them. But he got some good news just in time for the original 1991 Beauty and the Beast film's 30th-anniversary celebration: In June 2021, Disney+ greenlit a limited musical series that'll serve as a prequel to Belle and the Beast's story. However, the future of this prequel series is now uncertain.

Beauty and the Beast is a tale as old as time about a cursed prince and the beautiful woman whose love helps him break his spell. Fans were excited to learn Disney had greenlit a Beauty and the Beast project without focusing on the titular beauty or her beast, instead focusing on one man who is so singular in his abilities he's perfect for a new series. It’s the man who ate four dozen eggs every morning to help himself get large; the star of the would-be show is roughly the size of a barge: Gaston!

The prequel series is supposed to follow the adventures of Gaston and his trusty sidekick, LeFou. But on Feb. 10, 2022, Disney+ announced that production on the series has been halted. Here's all the news fans need to know about the future of this project:

Beauty and the Beast Prequel Halted

As of Feb. 10, 2022, the Beauty and the Beast prequel is no longer moving forward. The eight-episode limited series was supposed to begin production in summer 2022, but according to Deadline, the scripts and original music were not coming together in the direction expected, and pushing the production to fall 2022 isn’t possible due to scheduling conflicts and weather.

Josh Gad was supposed to star in and executive produce the series, and he took to Twitter to confirm the news. He wrote:

Sadly, ‘Tis true. We tried to make it all work but under the gun it wasn’t meant to be… for now. These characters and this story will live on, but sometimes the best intentions & reality collide & nothing can be done.

He added, “We truly hope we get to make it when our schedules allow.”

Beauty and the Beast Prequel Cast

According to a press release from Disney, the new series was supposed be a live-action prequel to the 2017 remake of the 1991 film. And much like the Marvel series on the streamer, the Disney+ show would bring back the stars fans know and love from the film, specifically Luke Evans and Josh Gad, who would be reprising their roles as Gaston and LeFou (Louie), respectively.

But these French brothers in arms wouldn’t be the only ones starring in the new show. Disney had also cast newcomer Briana Middleton as the series’ leading lady, Tilly, Louie's stepsister. She wouldn’t have been the only female character either. British pop star Rita Ora was supposed to play an as-yet unnamed fugitive “with surprising abilities” who carries with her a secret that could potentially affect an entire kingdom.

Other actors who had been cast thus far, though with no hint of who they would play, include Fra Fee (Hawkeye) and Jelani Alladin (Broadway’s Frozen).

Beauty and the Beast Prequel Plot

The new take on Beauty and the Beast was apparently supposed to focus on Gaston and Louie and try to answer how these two disparate characters became such good friends. But that’s not all the show would cover. Fans who have ever wondered about the enchantress who put the original spell on the Beast might also want to tune in, if the series ends up moving forward.

Here’s the series’ synopsis:

Set in the iconic kingdom of Beauty and the Beast years before the Beast and Belle's epic romance, the series will follow Gaston and LeFou as they set off with LeFou's step-sister, Tilly, after a surprising revelation from her past comes to light, sending the unlikely trio off on an unexpected journey filled with romance, comedy, and adventure. While the mysteries of the past are uncovered and the dangers of the present grow, old friends and new enemies reveal that this familiar kingdom harbors many secrets.

Beauty and the Beast Prequel Updates

The eight-part Beauty and the Beast limited musical series is on hold for now, but there’s always a chance it could get a new life at Disney+ in the future. Watch this space for any updates.