H.E.R. is set to play a Disney Princess! The award-winning artist will star as Belle in ABC’s upcoming special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration.
Listen to H.E.R. Radio now on Audacy
Executive produced by Jon M. Chu and directed by Hamish Hamilton, the two-hour special is an animated and live-action hybrid. Reportedly, the televised special will also feature never-before-seen musical performances and brand-new sets, which are inspired by the original Beauty and the Beast. According to Deadline, H.E.R.'s casting marks the first time an Afro Filipina woman will play the role of Belle on screen.
“I can’t believe I get to be a part of the 'Beauty and the Beast' legacy. The world will see a Black and Filipino Belle!” said H.E.R. “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. It is very surreal and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Beauty and the Beast was originally released in 1991. The film won two Oscars — best original score and best original song.
The Beauty and the Beast special will be taped in front of a live audience at Disney Studios. The special airs Dec. 15 at 8PM ET on ABC and be available on Disney+ the following day.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign up and follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram