Who Is Playing the Beast in Beauty and the Beast?
The highly anticipated 2017 live-action adaptation of the classic Disney musical “Beauty and the Beast” features an all-star cast, including Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Ian McKellen, and Ewan McGregor. However, there has been much speculation surrounding who will bring to life one of the most iconic characters of the story, the Beast.
Who Is the Beast in Beauty and the Beast?
The role of the Beast is portrayed by British actor Dan Stevens, who is best known for his role as Matthew Crawley in the popular TV series “Downton Abbey.” Stevens has also appeared in various films, such as “The Guest,” “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” and “Colossal.”
Born in Croydon, Surrey, England in 1982, Stevens studied English Literature at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. After completing his degree, he spent a year in New York City performing in various theater productions. Upon returning to England, he enrolled in a three-year acting program at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
Stevens has garnered critical acclaim for his stage performances, including his portrayal of Orlando in William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at the Sheffield Crucible, the title role in “The Vortex” at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, and most recently as the lead in “The Judas Kiss” at the Duke of York Theatre in London’s West End.
With his extensive theater background and his impressive work on various film and TV projects, it’s no wonder Stevens was chosen to play such a complex and beloved character as the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast.”
10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Actor Playing the Beast
While some fans might be familiar with Dan Stevens’ work, there are some fun facts about him that might surprise you:
- He is bilingual – Stevens is fluent in English and French.
- He is a literature enthusiast – besides his love for acting, Stevens enjoys reading and even wrote book reviews for The Times and the Daily Telegraph.
- He played the drums in a band during his teenage years and still enjoys playing to this day.
- He is a proud father of three children, two boys, and a girl.
- In 2004, Stevens appeared on “The Games,” a celebrity sports competition broadcast on Channel 4, where he won a silver medal for javelin throwing.
- He has a scar on his chin from when he was attacked by a group of strangers in his hometown when he was seventeen.
- Stevens is a keen environmentalist and supports various charities in this field.
- He is a fan of comic books and is particularly fond of the “Sandman” series.
- Stevens is a huge fan of the TV series “The Wire.”
- In 2018, he wrote and starred in a film called “The Man Who Invented Christmas” about Charles Dickens’ creation of the classic book “A Christmas Carol.”
From Prince to Beast: The Journey of Bringing the Beast to Life
The process of bringing the Beast to life on screen required the perfect blend of technology, artistry, and an exceptional performance from the actor portraying the character. Prior to casting Stevens, Director Bill Condon and the production team scoured through a long list of potential candidates, but Stevens stood out in the end because of his depth as an actor and his ability to convey humanity and a sense of warmth beneath the fur and the prosthetics.
Once Stevens was cast as the Beast, the next step was to transform him into the iconic character. For six months, he underwent a rigorous training regime to prepare him physically for the role, including dance lessons, weight training, and even learning how to waltz. The most challenging part of the transformation was getting into character while encased in a sixty-pound muscle suit, headgear, and stilts that elevated him to a height of seven feet and made him the tallest actor on set.
Stevens’ performance is a testament to his acting skills, as he manages to give the Beast a layered personality that ranges from anger and confusion to tenderness and emotional vulnerability. His performance is crucial to the success of the film and the believability of the Beast’s transformation from a selfish prince to a selfless lover.
Meet the Man Behind the Mask: An Interview with the Actor Playing the Beast
In an interview, Stevens shared his thoughts on the challenges of playing the Beast:
Q: What was the most difficult part about playing the Beast?
“The physical demands were very challenging. I was having to navigate this suit, which was not only physically demanding, but also limited my view and my range of motion. But what surprised me was the emotional toll it took, I had to find ways to convey the Beast’s humanity despite all that fur and prosthetics.”
Q: How did you approach playing a character that is part animal?
“I did a lot of research on the nature of animals and how they move and communicate. I also had to find ways to convey the different emotions the Beast experiences in a way that feels authentic and true to the character.”
Q: What was it like working with Emma Watson (Belle) and the rest of the cast?
“It was incredible working with Emma. She is so smart and so passionate about this project, and I think her enthusiasm was contagious. The chemistry between us was really important, and I think we really clicked on set. The rest of the cast was amazing as well; they brought so much talent and energy to the set.”
Comparing the Beasts: How the New Beauty and the Beast’s Beast Stacks Up Against the Original
The Beast in the new “Beauty and the Beast” adaptation is a vast improvement on the animated version. The CGI technology used to create the character is so advanced that the Beast looks almost real, and the prosthetics and make-up used on Stevens make him almost unrecognizable. Stevens’ performance elevates the character to new heights, adding a depth and complexity that was only hinted at in the original movie.
In contrast, the Beast in the animated version is less exposed, both physically and emotionally. The animated version emphasizes the worthiness of Belle’s love, focusing on his kindness and eventually showing his softer side. But in the new movie, the Beast’s transformation is more of an emotional journey; Stevens’ performance shows the Beast’s inner turmoil and pain, making the story more relatable and engrossing.
Overall, the new “Beauty and the Beast” adaptation strikes a perfect balance between honoring the original and bringing something fresh to the table.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dan Stevens’ portrayal of the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast” has proven to be a significant contribution to the legacy of one of the most beloved stories of all time. His exceptional acting skills, his dedication to the role, and his ability to resonate with audiences have made him an integral part of the film’s success. As “Beauty and the Beast” continues to enchant audiences of all ages around the world, it is clear that Dan Stevens has brought something truly special to the role of the Beast.
