The Beauty is here, and it’s H.E.R.
Singer H.E.R. was just cast as Belle in the ABC special, and she couldn’t feel more excited to take on the legendary role.
Everyone wants to be a princess, and the singer’s dream is coming true.
“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!” the singer said in statement.
This isn’t the first time the Disney world has cast Black celebrities to play historically white princesses. Halle Bailey was cast as Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The film is expected to release in May 2023.
H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Wilson, says, “I have always wanted to be a Disney princess.” She then gave a fantastic tribute to working with “wonderful directors.”
“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.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary since the film Beauty and the Beast was released, making it perfect timing for a movie to be in the works.
Chu described the Grammy-winner as the perfect choice. “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.”
H.E.R. is tapping into her acting as she will also be on the Warner Bros. adaptation of The Color Purple. It looks like this singer-turned-actress will be giving us hits in every category.
