ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bill Condon's Live-Action Beauty and the Beast Returns to Theaters

other · 2026-05-05

Bill Condon's live-action adaptation of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' is returning to Italian cinemas. The 2017 film, running 123 minutes, stars Emma Watson as Belle and features an ensemble cast including Josh Gad as LeFou, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, and Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza. Condon's direction respects the 1991 animated classic while adding historical context set in 18th-century France, with detailed sets, costumes, and makeup. The film explores Belle's backstory, including her mother's death, and uses advanced technology. Condon described the project as an honor and a challenge, aiming to answer fan questions about the characters. The film is produced by Walt Disney Pictures.

Key facts

  • Bill Condon directed the live-action 'Beauty and the Beast' released in 2017.
  • The film runs 123 minutes and is produced by Walt Disney Pictures.
  • Emma Watson plays Belle, with Josh Gad as LeFou, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, and Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza.
  • The story follows a prince turned into a beast by a enchantress, who must learn to love and be loved before the last rose petal falls.
  • Condon's adaptation adds historical setting in 18th-century France and explores Belle's mother's death.
  • The film respects the 1991 animated original while modernizing it with advanced technology.
  • Condon stated the film aims to answer fan questions about Belle and the Beast.
  • The article recommends watching in original language for the star cast's performances.

Entities

Artists

  • Bill Condon
  • Emma Watson
  • Josh Gad
  • Ewan McGregor
  • Ian McKellen
  • Emma Thompson
  • Audra McDonald
  • Gugu Mbatha-Raw
  • Stanley Tucci
  • Gary Trousdale
  • Kirk Wise
  • Margherita Bordino

Institutions

  • Walt Disney Pictures
  • Artribune

Locations

  • USA
  • France

Sources