#Live action beauty and the beast

[artist-issues]

one of the nice things about Live Action Remakes is that their terribleness makes me to go back and consider what was working so well about the originals.

Like nope, didn’t like that new Beauty and the Beast—but why? What part was the most awkward/felt the most wrong? Belle. Belle was the most awkward, disjointed-bone element in the Live Action film.

Why? Well, to answer that, I now get to go back and think about how wonderful Belle was, the real Belle, the original Belle, and see where the Live Action missed the mark.

The first thing I remember feeling really rankled about was this: The original Belle was happy during “Be Our Guest” and dancing. Emma Watson looked like she was smiling patiently and quirking a sassy eyebrow for the sake of humoring a gang of silly children and wanted to get out of there.

Well, why was the original Belle dancing and smiling, when she was imprisoned and objects were coming to life and dancing?

Because Belle likes enchantment. She’s uniquely ready to enjoy an enchanted castle—because she loves fairy tales. We already saw her enjoying a book about a disguised Prince. She’s not eager to leave the dinner and show to run off and find a way to escape—because she never wanted to escape. She gave her word that she’d stay in the castle and sacrifice her dreams for her father’s sake.

And when a girl who’s been reading about daring sword fights and true love gives her word, like all the honorable knights and heroes she’s been reading about, she keeps it. And she makes the most of the adventure she’s currently in.

But maybe I never would have thought about how great and subtle and perfect that is if Emma Watson hadn’t totally messed it up.

[scars-wife-31]

This new story of Gaston’s redemption weaves a fascinating narrative of growth, remorse, and second chances. Here’s a summary and some additions to help shape the world you’re building:

Title: Redemption’s Kiss

After Gaston falls from the castle and survives the deadly fall, his life seems to be at an end—until Agnes, a Gypsy healer from the outskirts of the kingdom, finds him and nurses him back to health. Though many in the village call her a “witch,” Agnes is simply a woman skilled in herbs, potions, and remedies. Gaston, once rude and condescending to her, now finds himself humbled and remorseful, apologizing for the cruelty he had shown her by calling her an “old hag.”

Agnes, sensing a deeper sorrow within him, shares a vision of the future—a future where Belle, whom Gaston once obsessed over, has found true love with the Beast, now Adam, and they are expecting a child. She reveals that Gaston’s actions have doomed him to remain a villain unless he changes, and, through the power of a magical mirror, she sends him back in time to confront his younger self.

The Journey of Redemption

Gaston, now a broken man, stands before his younger self—confused, angry, and not entirely believing that this older man is truly him. Yet, Gaston agrees to listen, realizing that his actions have caused so much harm. The older Gaston urges him to stop his villainous path before it’s too late, warning that he must hide for a while and repent for what he has done to Belle and Adam.

In this moment, the older Gaston tells his younger self that forgiveness may not come easily, but there is still time for change. The younger Gaston, overwhelmed by the idea of redemption, agrees to follow the guidance of his older self, becoming more self-reflective and aware of the damage he caused.

A New Name, A New Beginning

In the future, Gaston, now adopting the name “Allaster” to hide his true identity, seeks redemption through kindness and humility. He appears at the christening of Magali, Belle and Adam’s daughter. Magali, who has inherited the Beast’s horns, has always felt different and shunned by the locals for her unusual appearance. Gaston, or rather, Allaster, now sees beauty in her uniqueness and approaches her with kindness, encouraging her to embrace who she is.

Belle, however, recognizes Allaster from his previous life and orders him to leave, warning that Adam, her husband, would never forgive him. Gaston pleads with Belle, explaining that he has changed and is no longer the man who once tried to destroy their family. But Belle is unmoved, and Gaston retreats, seeking comfort from his older self.

The Transformation Continues

The older Gaston, now seeing how deeply his younger self has changed, encourages him to be patient and continue his efforts. After some time, Gaston, with the guidance of his older self, finally approaches Magali again, this time with genuine respect and care. He courts her properly—through meaningful gestures, respectful dates, and heartfelt conversations. Slowly, Magali opens her heart to him, touched by his sincerity.

Absolutely! Here’s how the transformation from Young Gaston to Older Gaston (or “Gaston, redeemed”) unfolds, with both versions of Gaston interacting and ultimately merging into one character, symbolizing the transformation of the man he could have been versus the man he chooses to be.

Title: Redemption’s Kiss (continued)

The magic mirror, glowing with ancient power, transported Gaston back in time to confront his younger self. The older Gaston stood before his mirror image, a man hardened by his mistakes, filled with regret and longing for redemption.

Older Gaston (looking at Young Gaston with a mix of sorrow and resolve): “You don’t know who I am yet… but I am you. I’ve lived your life. And I’ve seen the end of it. I’ve seen the pain… the hate… the destruction. And it breaks me. Because I know you can be more than this.”

Young Gaston (laughs, crossing his arms): “You’re not me! You’re just some crazy old fool. I’m going to be the one to rule the world, marry Belle, and nothing’s going to stop me. Who are you to tell me otherwise?”

Older Gaston (voice filled with quiet intensity): “I am you… I’m the man you’ll become if you don’t stop. A man who loses everything—everything—because he was too proud and too stubborn to listen. You’ll destroy the people you care about, including the woman you claim to love. And you’ll be alone in the end.”

Young Gaston (pauses, doubt creeping into his expression): “What are you talking about? I don’t want to end up like you. Alone and pitiful.”

Older Gaston (softly): “I don’t want that either. I never wanted it. But this is what will happen if you keep walking this path. That’s why I’m here. To show you that you can change. That you must change.”

As the two Gastons stand there, the tension between them is palpable. One is filled with youthful arrogance and confidence, while the other is burdened by regret and the wisdom of experience. The magical essence of the mirror begins to swirl around them, its power compelling them to merge into a singular form—Gaston, reformed and redeemed.

Young Gaston (looking into Older Gaston’s eyes, a flash of vulnerability showing): “You’re really me… aren’t you?”

Older Gaston (nodding, his voice soft yet firm): “Yes, I am. And you are me. But we are more than this. We can choose to be more. I didn’t understand that before, but now I do.”

The mirror shimmers, and in a flash of light, both Gastons are caught in the whirlwind of magic. The younger, prideful Gaston begins to transform—his body and mind altering, not just physically, but emotionally. The arrogance melts away as his heart softens, the years of bitterness and pride dissolving into something gentler, more compassionate.

Young Gaston (his voice changing, softer, more reflective): “I… I don’t want to be the man who hurts everyone. I want… I want to be better.”

Older Gaston (smiling, a mix of relief and pride): “Then you’ll become him. We’ll become him together.”

The transformation is complete. The man standing before the magic mirror is no longer the brash, reckless young man, nor the broken older one. He is now Gaston—the redeemed version, a fusion of his past and present, no longer consumed by pride or hatred but tempered by humility and the desire to make amends.

Gaston (now fully aware of his past and his future, he steps back from the mirror): “This is who I am now. No more lies, no more arrogance. It’s time to make things right. For Belle. For Adam. And for myself.”

With a newfound resolve, Gaston (now fully integrated as both his younger and older selves) travels back to the future, where he confronts Magali and her parents, Belle and Adam. His path is no longer one of conquest and pride, but of love, patience, and healing.

Gaston (approaching Belle, his voice steady): “Belle… I’ve come to apologize. For everything I’ve done. For the pain I caused. I wasn’t the man I should’ve been. But I am now, and I want to prove to you that I’ve changed.”

Belle (watching him warily, her heart conflicted): “You have no idea how much harm you’ve caused, Gaston. How much you’ve hurt me… and Adam. How can we trust you now?”

Gaston (his eyes sincere, full of regret): “I don’t expect you to forgive me right away. But I’ll prove myself. I’ll do whatever it takes to earn your trust. To earn the chance to make things right.”

Magali, watching from a distance, sees something in Gaston’s eyes that gives her hope—he is not the man who hurt her mother, nor the man who threatened her father. Instead, he is someone different—someone who, despite his past, is seeking to change.

Magali (softly, to herself): “Maybe… he’s telling the truth. Maybe there is hope for him.”

Over time, Gaston earns the trust of Belle and Adam through quiet acts of kindness, showing up at their home, working with the villagers, and proving that his redemption is not just about words, but about actions. Slowly, he earns their forgiveness, though it is a journey filled with setbacks and moments of doubt.

Adam (finally, after a long period of hesitation, speaks to Gaston): “You’ve worked hard, Gaston. I never thought I’d see the day where I’d accept you as a part of this family, but… perhaps you have changed. And I suppose there’s nothing left for me to do but welcome you in.”

The wedding day arrives. Magali accepts Gaston’s love and asks for his commitment, not to her mother, but to her—she sees the change in him, the sincerity in his efforts, and finally agrees to be with him.

Magali (smiling as she takes his hand): “I see now that you’re the man my mother always wished you could be. The man who can truly love and protect us. You’ve earned my heart, Gaston.”

Their wedding is celebrated by friends and family, old and new. Lumière, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and all the enchanted servants cheer as the couple vows to face the future together—no longer haunted by the past.

Gaston (to Belle, on the day of the wedding, with a gentle smile): “Thank you… for believing that I could be someone better.”

Belle (with a proud but teary smile): “You’ve made it happen, Gaston. You’ve earned it.”

Eventually, Belle, though hesitant at first, begins to see the change in Gaston (Allaster), and her approval is earned. Adam, still wary but moved by the change, asks for an apology from Gaston for his past wrongdoings, which he offers willingly. After a few months of proving himself, Adam finally accepts Gaston as a son-in-law.

A New Beginning

Gaston and Magali marry in a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by friends and family—including Lumière, Cogsworth, Madame de Garderobe, Mrs. Potts, and Chip, all of whom have grown to care for him. The kingdom celebrates their union, and the couple begins a life together, hopeful for the future.

As Gaston and Magali prepare for their first child, their story becomes a testament to the power of redemption. In the future, their son, Gil, and daughter, Mahaut, grow up as part of the next generation, perhaps destined to break free from the shadows of their parents’ pasts.

The legacy of the villain, once feared and loathed, has now transformed into one of love, growth, and redemption.

This story explores the idea of second chances, showing that even those who once walked the darkest paths can find a way to change and be embraced by the future. The journey of Gaston is now one of humility and learning, offering a powerful message about the possibility of redemption through self-reflection, kindness, and love.

[cottoncandiescupcakes]

Thinking about that old lady from the live action Beauty and the Beast who was all WOMEN STAY IN THE KITCHEN WOMEN SHOULDN'T READ but the moment Gaston goes to kill that beast shes first in line to kick it's ass and Gaston for some reason respects her despite her being an ugly old woman ready to fight with a bunch of men ???

Who IS she. Complete legend tbh even if we're meant to hate her

[janegrey9]

no live action princess movie will ever do it better than mirror mirror. i yearn for the nectar of her skin, etc etc

[cjbolan]

On one hand, I’m happy Disney’s Little Mermaid remake is adding a bunch of new plot points and songs, so at least it won’t be a boring copy like The Lion King (2019).

On the other hand, I’m scared it might lose focus on the main point with pointless filler like in Cinderella (2015) or Beauty and the Beast (2017). Or worse, it’ll have a completely opposite message and morals with completely rewritten characters like Mulan (2020).

Best case scenario it’s like Aladdin (2019): mostly faithful to the original plot, with some new songs/characters/plot points that help emphasize the original’s themes and ideas instead of changing them.

[stabbyapologist]

Gaston: 🤨She's got a quality that makes her not want to make a fool of herself to gain my favor. What would you call that, Le Fou?

Le Fou: 🙂 Dignity?

Gaston: 😁😚 It's outrageously attractive, isn't it?

[figures4fun]

14 days of love, 13/14: As old as time

[baltharino]

Enchanted (2007) + References

[elcias-diary]

I'm gonna die on this hill, fair warning.

Apparently even the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC could just lend out better period appropriate costumes for a live action Beauty and the Beast.

1700s? Got it. 1800s? Literally pick your decade!

Heck they even got you covered for a gender bent edition.

I'm still salty that Emma Watson's Beauty And The Beast had to be such a hot mess of costuming...

When the entire background cast was chef's kiss!

Because of corset myth BS!!

When the Regency Era of soft bodices and less tailored dress lines was RIGHT THERE!!!

When they could have used the Lost Dauphin to place the story in the early 1800s. Still had amazing costumes and kept one silly actress happy in the loosest, lounge-iest of historical formal wear ever designed.

(wouldn't have saved the time wasted on added plot points that went nowhere and added nothing to the story but that's beside the point.)

[artist-issues]

I’ve just come across your Wish analysis (which led to binge-reading loads of your other Disney rants, which I so loved reading and totally appreciated), and you’ve got me thinking. So please allow me to rant for a bit.

Flash back to when the live-action Beauty and the Beast came out. My friend loved it, raved about it for ages, and made me go see it with her. The original was my favourite childhood movie so I was excited for the new one… and subsequently disappointed to an extreme. I couldn’t put my finger on it for ages - just that there was a general feeling of wrongness I couldn’t explain (until I read your post and I was just like, “YES! THIS EXACTLY!”). My friend couldn’t understand it and would say things like, “I thought you said you liked Beauty and the Beast!” But I do like it, and that’s why I’m so upset how badly they missed the point.

It feels like that’s all Disney is doing these days: missing the point! Because it doesn’t matter how many times they give us a sassy girl with long hair and some vague magic skill that helps her in the third act! We want characters. As in, people who remind us of actual people! What makes Belle so charming and relatable? She’s polite when other people are rude, but firm when they push against her morals, and enjoys reading. A relatable female character is one who can be compared to other female characters. Belle on her own is just a girl who likes books, but against the motherly Mrs Potts who takes care of everyone, or the vain triplets who only want Gaston’s attention, she’s suddenly so much more real, and that’s what these new films are missing!

Anyway, I could go on and on about this, but I’m sorry because I didn’t mean for this to get so long or out-of-hand 😬

That is why you like it: that is why you’re upset; because you DO like the real Beauty & the Beast! Wonderful! Yes, you get it!

I think what makes Belle feel real is some of the raw emotion she shows—and how she shows it.

When living furniture puts on a light show, she gasped and claps and dances along. When the Beast asks her a romantic but loaded question, her first impulse is to say “yes!” but then she does double back and admit that she misses her father; she doesn’t have all her thoughts collected, exactly, but she is being honest. When wolves attack her, she screams. When she has to give up her life, she sobs on a bed. When she’s in a terrible situation, she does initially basically pout and refuse to leave her room. But when she’s being watched by others, she tries to be strong; she cries silently when she’s following the Beast to her room. She gives him her word with her back straight and her eyes closed all grave. Like I said, you can almost see her remembering stories she’s read of brave heroes giving solemn oaths, and she’s trying to be like them.

Emma Watson didn’t bring any of that.

She had to make the character too in-control of her own emotions even when outlandish or traumatic things are happening, because her idea of a “strong woman” can’t be delighted or horrified or fazed, in general, by anything st all. She made her as distant and unrelatable as any caricature. I mean, I remember very clearly the one and only moment I felt a glimmer of “that’s Belle!” in the movie, and it’s when Belle is given the library and the Beast leaves the room, and Emma Watson gives this excited little half-shriek of joy. And it’s like…where is that in the rest of the movie?

I can even find fault with that moment, too though. Because she waits till the Beast, the gift-giver, leaves the room before she really reacts that strongly. Why? The real Belle tells the Beast how wonderful she thinks it is, breathlessly, over the moon.

Because when someone gives you a gift, if you’re a self-protective, cool-calm demeanor feminist, you don’t let them see that they have any control over your emotions—not even the ability to impress you or make you happy with a crazy gift.

But, instead, if you’re a selfless woman, who is happy to share her emotions with others especially when it brings them joy, you have no trouble showing that a crazy gift delights and impresses you. It’s part of the gratitude/

Anyway! I could go on and on. But don’t let anybody get it twisted. You do like Beauty and the Beast. You just happen to know what Beauty and the Beast really is, and why you like it.

[cjbolan]

@shebeafancyflapjack “Cinderella” had huge missed potential as a “Tangled” like story where she slowly realizes how abusive her stepfamily really are, and try escaping of her own will. Even if she failed , I’d rather see Cindy try and fail than never try at all.

Finally saw B&TB and I basically agree with all the criticisms these guys have, so I won’t bother repeating myself because they hit the nail on the head for the problems I have with this version.

However, unlike them, I didn’t HATE the movie. I wouldn’t even say I disliked it.

I definitely enjoyed it more than Cinderella and Maleficent! I haven’t seen the other live-action Disney remakes yet like Jungle Book and Pete’s Dragon but I was never too fond of the originals to compare. But the changes and decisions made in Cinderella and Maleficent actually made me physically angry at parts. This one, some parts annoyed me, but overall I did enjoy myself.

Spoiler-y review below cut.

Keep reading

[princess-ibri]

Ok I did some more Live Action redesigns xD

Of course I had to redesign Belle's ballgown, but I wanted to see if I could take the shape of it from the film and at least give it some more ✨️Magic✨️, and I think I've succeeded:)

I kinda did the same with her village dress too. I actually kinda liked the look in the film, it was at least memorable, so I just made it a little more period, added a proper bodice, changed that random side cloth out for a pocket and cuz I loved that she had glasses in that one stage version gave her a pair here as well

For her winter screen I gave her a more voluminous cloak to actually keep the cold out (also some Red RidingHood vibes) and gave a nod to her Enchanted Christmas look in the dress she has underneath.

Also always liked that green dress on her, so decided to have some fun and switch it up to being the one she leaves and returns to the castle in. Green for new beginnings and to tie into the Enchantress's magic that's about to be broken and all that

Also spruced up her wedding dress. I actually think the movie one is very lovely but it doesn't really stand out/feel like it fits the time period, so I jazzed it up.

Also I've been spinning a tiny rewrite idea round in my head. If they wanted to delve into Belle's mom's past/give Maurice a real reason for keeping her death a mystery (like seriously, why does he do that) I think they should go back to the og fairytale and have Belle's mom be a fairy.

Either have her connected to the Enchantress (friend, sister) or heck have her be the Enchantress like in the Twisted Tales (not what I'd pick myself but it lends to a tighter narrative) and have Maurice feel guilt for doing whatever happened that caused her inadvertent death/separation---and this could tie back in to Belle and her own complicated relationship with hwr magical being

Have that magic book (if it must be there) show people's pasts instead of being a transportion device Belle doesn't even use to get to her dad. It's meant for the Beast to reflect on his prior actions, but Belle also uses it to discover what happened with her mother.

Also give that poor Beast a proper canon name. I waited the whole movie and he never got a name!!

[robertphilip]

Beauty and the Beast (1991) // Enchanted (2007)

[vvalliu]

[fandomnerd9602]

Y/N holds the book at arms length away from Belle…

Belle: (giggles) give it!

Y/N: pay the toll

Belle: your books never have a fee

Y/N: they do now

Belle softy kisses Y/N who hands her the book…

Y/N: paid in full

Belle rolls her eyes and kisses Y/n again…