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It seems like just yesterday that fans were shown a tale as old as time. However, it has actually been 30 years since Disney released one of its most popular animated films of all time — Beauty and the Beast. Beauty and the Beast starred Paige O’Hara as Belle, Robby Benson as the Beast, Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts, and Jerry Orbach as Lumiere. Beauty and the Beast was so successful that Disney made a live-action remake in 2017, starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and Ewan McGregor.
Credit: Disney
To celebrate 30 years of the Oscar-winning film, ABC — which is owned by Disney — will be airing a special in December. The film will be a combination of live-action and animation and will star singer H.E.R. as Belle.
It is now being reported that more big names will be making appearances in the special. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Martin Short, David Alan Grier, and Shania Twain will be joining the cast. Per The Hollywood Reporter:
The Dec. 15 special, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film’s best picture nomination — the first animated feature to earn that honor — has added Martin Short, David Alan Grier, Shania Twain, Rizwan Manji, Jon Jon Briones and Leo Abelo Perry to its cast. They join an ensemble led by Grammy winner H.E.R. as Belle and Josh Groban as the Beast; Joshua Henry also stars, and Rita Moreno will narrate the special.
Only Murders in the Building star Short will play Lumiere. Tony winner Grier (A Solider’s Play, The Patient) will play Cogsworth, while Grammy winner and country music star Twain will play Mrs. Potts and Perry her son, Chip. Manji (Schitt’s Creek) plays Gaston’s (Henry) sidekick, LeFou, and Briones (Ratched) will play Belle’s father, Maurice.
Credit: Disney
This is the first time that country music star Shania Twain has worked with Disney, but Grier and Short have been members of the Disney family for years.
Grier has starred in a number of Disney films and television shows, including Angels in the Outfield, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz, and The Proud Family.
Short starred in the hit Disney Christmas movie The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, where he played Jack Frost — the Christmas villain who tries to steal the role of Santa. He also currently stars in the hit Hulu series — Hulu is also owned by Disney — Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin and Wizards of Waverly Place star Selena Gomez.
Credit: Disney
The Beauty and the Beast 30th celebration special will air on ABC on December 15 and will be available to watch on Disney+ the following day.
