“Beauty and the Beast”ABC will air a live-action and animated special of two hours to celebrate its 30th birthday on December 15. ET. Jon M. Chu will executive produce the project (ET.“In the Heights,” “Crazy Rich Asians”The film, directed by Hamish Hamilton and featuring a new cast, is called “The Lie”
The special will pay homage to the 1991 film and its legacy. “showcasing the fan-favorite movie, along with new memorable musical performances, taking viewers on a magical adventure through the eyes of Belle.”This Disney fairy tale became history by becoming the first animated feature to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1992. In addition, it won Oscars as Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
“‘Beauty and the Beast’ is a timeless story and we’re so fortunate to work with creative mastermind Jon M. Chu and veteran director Hamish Hamilton to bring a modern twist to this beloved classic for an unforgettable night of Disney magic,”Craig Erwich is president of Hulu Originals, and ABC Entertainment said this in a statement. “Stacked with unforgettable performances, this will be a must-see special event for fans of the original and for the new generation being introduced to this cherished tale.”
Every performance will pay tribute to the classic tale while adding to it with new sets and performances never before seen. The musical special will feature the movie’s original songs, to be performed in front of a live audience at Disney Studios.
“‘Beauty and the Beast’ was always a game-changing cinematic experience for me,”Chu made the statement in a statement. “When the animated movie came out, I watched it multiple times in the first weekend. It showed me the outer limits of what animated artists and storytellers could achieve, so the fact that I get to executive produce a tribute to all the creatives that made this masterpiece through our Electric Somewhere company is a dream I didn’t even think was possible. With world-class creatives and talent to reinterpret the classic musical numbers (with a few surprises), I can’t wait for the audiences, in person and at home, to experience what we have in store for them. It’s a true celebration of creativity.”
Chu, who is currently in an overall deal with Disney Television Studios, is in pre-production on Universal’s “Wicked”adaptation starring Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo. He is also developing Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” with Warner Bros. and J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, his first animated feature. Hamilton is a five time Emmy nominee. His best-known work is as a director of TV specials or awards ceremonies such as the Super Bowl Halftime show and Grammys.
In 2019, Hamilton directed ABC’s “The Little Mermaid Live!” — a live broadcast of the animated film featuring live performances from cast members such as Auli’i Cravalho (who played Ariel) and Shaggy (who played Sebastian). It was nominated three Emmy awards.
“Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration”Produced by Done+Dusted, in association with Walt Disney Television Alternative & Electric Somewhere. Executive producers include Chu and Hamilton as well as Raj Kapoor and Richard Kraft. Katy Mullan is also a producer.
First news of the special was published by The Hollywood Reporter.