R&B sensation H.E.R. continues to break barriers and make history while showcasing her versatile talent.
On Wednesday, July 20, ABC announced that the Filipina and Black American singer will star as Belle in the channel’s live-action, one-night celebration of the 1991 animated Disney adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” later this year.
“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. in a statement. “I have always wanted to be a Disney princess… It is very surreal and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
The awards show darling previously won several Grammy Awards over the last few years and won an Oscar in 2021.
She will star in the two-hour spectacle, named “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration,” directed by Hamish Hamilton and “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu.
“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 in a statement. “We were both influenced as storytellers by the original animated movie, so it’s very exciting to collaborate together to honor the artistry of that timeless classic while also inspiring a whole new generation of creators.”
As of press time, other casting decisions have not been announced.
The special is set to air on ABC on Dec. 15 and will be available to stream on Disney+ the following day.
