Disney's live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast will be expanding upon key characters' backstories from the 1992 animated film, and could include another romantic plotline alongside Belle and the Beast.
It was revealed by director Bill Condon that LeFou, the bumbling sidekick to villain Gaston, will be gay in the latest version of the film. This will be a history-making move for Disney, as LeFou, who will be played by Josh Gad, will be the first openly LGBTQ character featured in any of the studio's films.
Bill told Attitude magazine, "LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston (Luke Evans) and on another day wants to kiss Gaston. He's confused about what he wants. It's somebody who's just realizing that he has these feelings.
"Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And that's what has its payoff at the end, which I don't want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie," Bill continued.
Josh also shared his enthusiasm, tweeting that he was "beyond proud" to take on the role.
In the original animated version of Beauty and the Beast, LeFou and Gaston share a musical number, aptly titled "Gaston," in which LeFou belts out compliments to feed the already enormous ego of his narcissistic pal.
Previews for the new film show that the same song will be performed, which would give it an entirely new context, and add a layer of depth to the duo's relationship.
Beauty and the Beast makes its way into theaters March 17. ~Ashleen Grange
Beyond proud of this https://t.co/5wG1KfKqVZ
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 1, 2017
Comments & Discussion
Join The Conversation: