Introduction
With the release of Disney’s live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast”, many fans have been eagerly waiting to see who would play the iconic Beast character. In this article, we will explore who is playing Beast in Beauty and the Beast and provide some background information on the actor selected. Let’s dive in!
Meet the Actor Playing Beast
The actor playing Beast is Dan Stevens, a British actor born on October 10th, 1982 in Croydon, Surrey, England. Stevens went to Tonbridge School where he became interested in acting and went on to study English Literature at Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
Prior to playing Beast, Stevens was best known for his role in Downton Abbey as Matthew Crawley, a character who made him a household name and garnered him critical acclaim. Stevens has also had roles in several films including “The Fifth Estate”, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb”, and “The Guest”.
Casting Process
The casting process for Beast was reportedly extensive as Disney wanted to find the perfect actor to bring the character to life. According to an interview with Director Bill Condon, it was important to find an actor who could “sing, dance, and act” to fit the role.
Other actors considered for the role include Ryan Gosling and Eddie Redmayne, but ultimately Dan Stevens was chosen for the part. It is speculated that Stevens was chosen due to his experience in a variety of roles, his ability to convey emotion, and his stunning singing voice.
Unique Characteristics
One of the unique characteristics that make Stevens a great choice for Beast is his versatility as an actor. He has played both dramatic and comedic roles, which will come in handy when portraying the multi-layered character of Beast.
In addition, Stevens has a magnetic presence on screen, which will help him convey the powerful and commanding nature of the Beast, while also showcasing the character’s vulnerability and humanity.
Previous Work
Stevens’ previous work has prepared him well for the role of Beast. His work in “Downton Abbey” showcased his dramatic range and ability to convey complex emotions, while his work in “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” showed his ability to tackle comedic material.
Stevens has also previously showcased his singing abilities in the Broadway production of “The Heiress” which will come in handy when playing Beast, who is known for his powerful musical numbers.
Challenges Faced
One of the biggest challenges Dan Stevens will face when becoming Beast is the amount of physical transformation required to bring the character to life. In the movie, Stevens wears a motion capture suit and facial markers while acting out the character, which is later edited to create the Beast’s look.
Despite this challenge, Stevens has proven to be a committed actor who is willing to go the extra mile to portray his characters authentically. He has stated that he was excited to play the role and saw it as a wonderful challenge.
The Actor’s Feelings
Dan Stevens has expressed his excitement and enthusiasm for the role of Beast in interviews. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stevens stated that “Being part of Beauty and the Beast was incredible, and yes, it was a strange experience seeing myself as a beast, but ultimately it was a great challenge and a lot of fun”.
Conclusion
Overall, we can see that Dan Stevens is the perfect actor to play Beast in Beauty and the Beast. With his experience in a range of roles, his stunning voice, and his magnetic presence on screen, Stevens is sure to bring a dynamic and compelling performance.
