11 Ways The New Beauty And The Beast Differs From The Original Animated Movie

With the live-action Beauty and the Beast film already smashing pre-sale records set by last year’s blockbuster hits Captain America and Finding Dory in advance of its release on March 17th, it doesn’t take a brainiac like Belle to work out that Disney’s tale as old as time is about to give the box office a proper good beastin'!

But how does this modern version differ from the animated classic that made us all look at our pet dogs a little bit differently at animated monsters for a bit in the 90s? Well, in a lot of ways tbqh.

Sacré bleu!

1. Belle’s an inventor

Courtesy of Emma Watson, Belle has undergone a few key changes in the remake. Most notably, Belle is now the inventor in her family, whilst in the original it was her dad who made inventions. He’s now a painter in this version.

2. Belle is feminist princess goals

When she’s not inventing a quicker way to do laundry so she has more time to spend teaching girls in her village how to read, Belle’s looking for ways to escape Beast’s castle by using whatever materials she has on hand.

3. There are lots of new songs

Somewhat, sacrilegious? We hear you. But with the film clocking in at over 2 hours, it should come as no surprise that this live-action Beauty and the Beast features several new songs. Some new Celine Dion, anyone?

4. Lumiere and Cogsworth look creepy as fuck

In fact, is it just us, or do all the castle staff not look absolutely horrifying in this live-action version?! Even adorable teacup chip looks like a wrong’n.

5. A brand-new character

As well as this being a more inclusive and diverse remake that features several interracial relationships, a black bookshop owner, and a sprinkle of LGBTQ representation, the remake has also introduced a brand-new character named Cadenza. Stanley Tucci voices the grand piano who is described as being a “neurotic maestro”.

6. Mummy issues (WE'RE NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING)

Not only do we get to watch scenes featuring the Prince before he’s turned into a Beast at the start of the film, but we also finally get to find out what happened to Belle’s mother in a scene later in the film that may have you reaching for the tissues.

7. The Enchantress who puts a spell on the Prince has a more significant role

Confined to some stained glass in the animated version, the Enchantress, who curses the Prince and his staff for being cruel to her has a much larger role in the live-action film, mysteriously appearing at key points in the story.

8. Gaston kinda steals the show

The reviews are in and devilishly handsome rogue Gaston (played by devilishly handsome Welsh babe Luke Evans) is the theatrical, over the top, and undeniably lovable fuck boy we secretly shipped in the original… only 100 times better. Having now been given a meaty backstory, and dare we say a few more redeeming qualities in this live-action retelling, we’re so not blaming Belle for looking, well, somewhat pleased to see Gaston every time she runs into him in this version.

9. A new magical object to lose your shit over

If you thought Beast’s only trippy accessory is his magic mirror, then you’re going to totally lose it when in one scene Beast allows Belle to use his enchanted atlas to transport them both to another place IN TIME.

10. LeFou explores his sexuality in an “exclusively gay” moment

Whilst LeFou’s “exclusively gay” moment in the film could be criticised for being stereotypical, director Bill Condon’s instance in exploring LeFou’s feelings for Gaston is definitely the right step forward that will hopefully lead to more LGBTQ representation in Disney films.

11. Belle doesn’t read to sheep in this version

Baaaaaaah humbug.

- By Portis Wasp @portiswasp

Want more Beauty And The Beast? HIT PLAY on the video below to see the cast reveal their FUNNIEST moments from behind the scenes!