Fans of the Disney live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast, take heed: Disney+ has just greenlit a new, limited, live-action series about the film’s lothario villain Gaston, and his implied-gay sidekick LeFou.
Deadline reports actors Luke Evans and Josh Gad will reprise their roles as Gaston and LeFou, respectively, in a new prequel series that will follow the two characters in the lead-up to the events of Beauty and the Beast. Actress Briana Middleton will also appear in the show as LeFou’s stepsister Tilly. Legendary composer Alan Menkin, who wrote the music to the film, will also produce and score the show.
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It goes without saying that plot details for the show remain scant. The official announcement characterizes the show as following the three on an adventure together after shocking revelations from Tilly’s past.
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“For anyone who’s ever wondered how a brute like Gaston and a goof like LeFou could have ever become friends and partners, or how a mystical enchantress came to cast that fateful spell on the prince-turned-beast, this series will finally provide those answers…and provoke a whole new set of questions,” Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Branded Television said in the announcement.
We also have to hope that the show will delve a bit more into LeFou’s love life. Press for Beauty and the Beast hyped the film for featuring a gay character, later revealed as LeFou. Unfortunately, the movie’s sole reference to LeFou as a gay character consisted of a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of him dancing with another man. Critics of the film derided the moment as queerbaiting.
With Gad also contributing writing credits to the show, we can only hope that he’ll show his character a bit more love in the series. Yes, that means some gay love.
The untitled new show will begin shooting in 2022. A release date has yet to be announced.
Donston
I’m not all about “positive representation”. But I don’t know how I feel about a vaguely “gay-ish” guy who is a pathetic right-hand man of an Uber “straight”, arrogant, hyper masculine dude. Also, who is asking for a Gaston spinoff?
Selverd
Gaston and LeFou were easily the best parts of the remake, and LeFou becomes a hero at the end.
Donston
They probably were the best thing about it. But that’s not saying much. I also wouldn’t say he was a “hero”. He did something heroic/semi redemptive after spending the whole movie following all of Gaston’s orders and coming off like a sniveling kiss-ass.
I’m just not sure folks are interested in a Gaston spinoff. He’s not even one of the standout Disney villains. But I may watch if the reviews are above decent. None of these Disney spin-offs and updates have much for me though.
geb1966
We’ll notify Disney immediately and let them know you disapprove. I’m sure they will cancel the plans. I mean, since you clearly don’t care for their spin offs or updates, most of the viewers prob’ly don’t either.
I’m always amused at people who think they can make these declarations like they are speaking for the public at large.
Selverd
“Unfortunately, the movie’s sole reference to LeFou as a gay character consisted of a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of him dancing with another man.”
His whole story was about how he was in love with Gaston.
missvamp
i’ll watch anything with luke evans, especially if he’s singing. these 2 were hilarious in these roles. i’m down.
dsp
What’s with all this mike wolf being on every goddam second post: who is he and do we really care?
Saps48
I think Gad’s choices were cringe-inducing and my least favorite part of the movie. I hope he dials it way back for the prequel.