The “tale as old as time” is officially back, and the internet is already under its spell!
Disney released the highly anticipated first teaser trailer for the live-action Beauty and the Beast on Monday, and social media is buzzing over our first real glimpse of Emma Watson as the iconic, book-loving heroine, Belle.
While the film doesn’t waltz into theaters until next March, the brief look at the Beast’s hauntingly beautiful, dilapidated castle was enough to send fans into a frenzy on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. The nostalgia is real, and the stakes are even higher.
Of course, the biggest question on everyone’s mind: Can our favorite Harry Potter alum actually sing?
According to her former Hogwarts classmates, there is absolutely no doubt that Watson will nail those high notes.
“I imagine she’s good,” Evanna Lynch, who played the whimsical Luna Lovegood, told PEOPLE at Universal Orlando’s Celebration of Harry Potter. “Emma works so hard. Even if she’s not naturally a good singer, she will make herself great at it.”
Watson isn’t the only heavy hitter heading to the “quiet village.” Disney has assembled a “who’s-who” of stage and screen legends to bring these beloved characters to life in a way we’ve never seen before.
Dan Stevens is set to star opposite Watson as the cursed Beast, while Luke Evans takes on the role of the ultimate “bro” and villain we love to hate, Gaston.
As for the enchanted household staff? The lineup is pure cinematic magic.
The castle will be populated by Ewan McGregor as the charismatic Lumiere, Ian McKellen as the punctual Cogsworth, and Emma Thompson stepping into the legendary role of Mrs. Potts.
Rounding out the crew are Audra McDonald as Garderobe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, and Stanley Tucci as a brand-new character, Cadenza the grand piano.
While fans are eager to hear the classics, legendary composer Alan Menken revealed he has penned three brand-new songs for the film to give it a fresh twist. Get ready to add the lullaby “Days in the Sun” and a sweeping ballad titled “Forever More” to your playlists.
And don’t worry—the swagger of Gaston is fully intact.
Luke Evans recently proved he’s more than ready for the role during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show. Evans performed the “Gaston” theme alongside fellow X-Man Hugh Jackman and even nailed the character’s signature, messy spit-take.
The teaser ends with a chilling, close-up look at the enchanted rose, reminding us all of the ticking clock. If the last petal falls before the Beast finds true love, he remains a monster forever.
Grab your yellow ballgowns and mark your calendars! Beauty and the Beast waltzes into theaters on March .
