Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty
There’s a new Belle in town.
MusicianH.E.R.has been cast in ABC’s upcomingBeauty and the Beastspecial, playing the bookworm princess that falls in love with the Beast.
ABC announced the news on Wednesday, sharing a statement from H.E.R. on the casting. The 25-year-old R&B singer spoke about the joy of stepping into the iconic Disney role.
“I can’t believe I get to be a part of theBeauty and the Beastlegacy,” H.E.R., real name Gabriella Wilson, said. “The world will see a Black and Filipino Belle!”
H.E.R. also said the role is a literal dream come true: “I have always wanted to be a Disney princess.”
“And I get to work with two wonderful directors Hamish Hamilton and my favorite,Jon M. Chu,” she added. “It is very surreal and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Chu, 42, also teased what the five-time Grammy-winning musician will bring to the role of Belle. “With her obvious extraordinary talent and stage presence, H.E.R. is the perfect embodiment of our Belle and we are thrilled for audiences to see her in this celebration of creativity,” Chu said.
H.E.R.’s new role inBeauty and the Beastcomes as she’s bulking up her acting résumé. Next up, fans can catch her in the 2023 Warner Bros. adaptation ofThe Color Purple.
The original 1985 film starringWhoopi Goldbergis based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, but the upcoming remake follows the structure of the 2005 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.
H.E.R. released her debut R&B album,Back of My Mind, in 2021. Her song “I Can’t Breathe” — named afterGeorge Floyd’s last words, followinghis controversial 2020 death— won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 2021.
ABC’sBeauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebrationwill air on Dec. 15.
source: people.com
