There are few genres more magical that classic Disney movies. Spanning decades and generations, the House of Mouse has a way of mystifying and dazzling audiences through its breathtaking animation and original music. And to cash in on the trend of nostalgia that has been dominating Hollywood, Disney has been regularly adapting classic animated films for live-action. We've seen this done to varying levels of success through Maleficent, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and will continue with 2017's live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Helmed by Dreamgirls director Bill Condon, the film includes an all-star cast who will bring the signature Disney characters to life. And now two more A-listers have joined the soundtrack.
Frozen actor Josh Gad will be playing Gaston's sidekick Le Fou in Beauty and the Beast. He recently took to Twitter, announcing that pop stars Ariana Grande and John Legend will be singing the title song for the upcoming movie musical.
Move over, Celine Dion. Because John Legend and Ariana Grande are about to blow the roof off the Beast's castle. Bring on the Grammy's.
It's pretty typical for pop stars to cover the big hits from Disney's soundtracks. The most recent original, Moana, saw singer Alessia Cara with her own version of the signature song "How Far I'll Go". When Beauty and the Beast first came out in 1991, the legendary Celine Dion and two time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson covered the title song- which ended up being a certified pop hit of its own. Now Ariana Grande and John Legend do a cover of their own, and they're basically the two best voices on the pop charts at the moment.
As a reminder, check out the iconic cover from the original animated movie.
You know Ariana is going to KILL those vocals, too.
From the point the live-action Beauty and the Beast was announced it was clear that it was assembling an all-star cast. In addition to Emma Watson's spot on casting as the bookish Belle, the supporting roles are being filled with bonafide legends. Ewan McGregor will once again bring out the voice that wowed us in Moulin Rouge while playing Lumiere, Sir Ian McKellen will play the worrisome Cogsworth, and the always delightful Emma Thompson will be playing the role of Mrs. Potts. The cast is rounded out by six time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, Stanley Tucci, and Josh Gad himself.
Beauty and the Beast will be released on March 17th, 2017.
