In case you missed it, Disney released a trailer teaser for the new live-action Beauty and the Beast, which is code for “DROP WHATEVER YOU’RE DOING AND WATCH IT RIGHT THIS SECOND.”
Sorry not sorry for the drama, but we’re reliving the birth of the Disney Renaissance, folks. Your undivided attention is a must. As a self-professed Disney princess enthusiast whose favorite film happens to be Beauty and the Beast, I’m basically on sensory overload. That being said, I’ve tried to catalogue my thoughts as coherently as possible! In this post, I’ll mostly be talking about my reaction the trailer, but for a more thorough rundown of the film itself check out The Disney Blog.
From the trailer, it appears we will be treated to a darker retelling – I expect somewhat similar to the 2016 The Jungle Book and less like the 2015 Cinderella. Personally, I’ve always been drawn to the gothic undertones of the story more than the glitz and glam of the Disney princess franchise, so obviously I am thrilled the trailer is more suspenseful than romantic. Here are a few other quick thoughts I had while watching (and re-watching) the clip.
First Thoughts
- Unlike the live-action Cinderella, I am ecstatic to see that (so far) the musical score remains true to 1991. We all know Alan Menken is gold, and if you don’t cry during the “Transformation” score you should probably post a listing for your missing heart.
- Although I never had a single doubt, Emma Watson is perfect. Just perfect.
- Cogsworth and Lumiere sound pretty much exactly like the original, and this news is just wonderful.
- I think I stopped breathing for a full 10 seconds as the camera panned over the ballroom. So, when can I move in?
- In the original film, the only portrait shown is the one Beast scratches, which shows his human self. In the new trailer, we are shown a different portrait with three figures. Could this hint at a long-awaited backstory for Adam?
- I’m glad our first look at Belle is in the blue dress, not the gold dress. It seems trivial, but I’m a big advocate of blue-dress Belle. After all, she’s only in the gold dress for, what, an hour tops?
Hopes and Dreams
- We haven’t yet seen the Beast, and honestly I hope we don’t until the film. It’s good to leave something for the imagination, right?
- If this resembles Beastly in any way, I’m going to break down in tears.
- Although I’m not positive the musical aspect is going to fit into this retelling, I am still highly optimistic Emma Watson may sing a number or two.
- It may be a stretch, but I would love to see a cameo or two from the original cast – Enchanted style.
- The Beast’s roar sounds a little like a stalled lawn mower, but I don’t hate it. It reminds me of a cat-like purr, almost. After seeing The Jungle Book, I am very optimistic in a realistic, animalistic portrayal of the Beast.
Things I Wish We Had Seen
- I’m dying for a look at the costumes. While I am typically a stickler on reinvention, I adored the way Disney updated iconic outfits in Cinderella while staying true to the original.
- Maybe it’s just me, but I’m dying for some stained glass.
- Obviously it was just a teaser, but I can’t wait to see Gaston’s unanimated counterpart. I also hope that every inch of him is covered in hair. If you think I’m being creepy, here’s the song.
Things I Hated
- Ha! Seriously. Good one, guys.
So, fellow fans, what is your immediate reaction to the trailer?
As Told by Laura 
Emma Watson has no French undertones…. Which is my only dislike since it’s a French based era. But I will get over it.
Belle is like my favorite song from Beauty and the Beast so if Emma pulls a “Miserable” Anne Hathaway, I will be more than disappointed. I’ve always been more interested in new talent than celebrities for the sake of a larger audience. That being said, I still do love Emma and she really is a Beauty.