10 Points For Gaston! Here's What We Know About the Beauty and the Beast Prequel Series

Published on 6/23/2021 at 2:00 PM

It seems we weren't the only ones invested in the 2017 versions of Beauty and the Beast's Gaston and LeFou. On June 15, The Hollywood Reporter shared that Disney had ordered a prequel series centering on the duo portrayed by Luke Evans and Josh Gad in the film. "For anyone who's ever wondered how a brute like Gaston and a goof like LeFou could have ever become friends and partners, or how a mystical enchantress came to cast that fateful spell on the prince-turned-beast, this series will finally provide those answers . . . and provoke a whole new set of questions," Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer of Disney Branded Television, said in a press release.

"We can't wait to welcome our guests back to the magical and musical world of Beauty and the Beast for an all-new chapter with LeFou, Gaston, and a fantastic new cast of characters," added Disney+ president Michael Paull. In addition to series star Gad, Once Upon a Time's Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz will serve as co-showrunners and writers. Keep reading to see everything we know about the upcoming prequel series, including its plot, the cast, and a potential release date.

Gaston & LeFou's Beauty and the Beast Prequel Series Plot

Reportedly called Little Town, the limited series follows Gaston and LeFou prior to the events of 2017's Beauty and the Beast. When something from LeFou's stepsister Tilly's past comes to light, the group is forced to set out on an unexpected journey. They'll meet old friends, new enemies, and unravel the mystery of the past, all while facing the mounting dangers of the present.

Much like its movie predecessors, the musical series will feature a soundtrack from composer Alan Menken. Lyrics from the first episode will be written by Oscar nominee Glenn Slater. Menken's original Beauty and the Beast songwriting partner, Howard Ashman, died before the 1991 film's completion.

Gaston and LeFou's Beauty and the Beast Prequel Series Cast

Currently, limited casting details are available. Luke Evans and Josh Gad will reprise their roles from 2017's Beauty and the Beast as Gaston and LeFou, respectively. Joining them is newcomer Briana Middleton as LeFou's stepsister Tilly.

"I can tell you right now that it is one of the most ambitious projects I've ever been a part of. Luke and I are so excited about bringing these characters back to life alongside a brilliant and unique new talent in Briana Middleton playing this incredible new character named Tilly," Gad shared in an interview with Collider. "Liesl Tommy, who's our director, is planning to do some unbelievably ambitious things with this series as well as our showrunners, Adam [Horowitz] and Eddie [Kitsis], who are really, really, really going places I think audiences are not necessarily ready for. I cannot be more excited about this show. I think it's going to be enormously special."

Gaston and LeFou's Beauty and the Beast Prequel Series Release Date

Production on the eight-episode series is set to begin in early 2022. While an official premiere date has yet to be announced, based on the production timelines of other Disney+ series, it will likely premiere in 2023.