In Beauty and the Beast, Lea Michele plays the role of Beast. Yes, the same one from Beauty and the Beast (otherwise known as Beauty and the Beast) is played by Ariel. While it’s not the same character, the fact that the two movies are staring two of the leading ladies in Hollywood itself is enough of a hint as to who will be playing Beast in the movie version. And according to what we’ve been told, there will be quite a few similarities between the two. This, of course, does not mean that the movie version of the story will be better than the original, just that there will be enough commonalities for the two.
It is also interesting to note that the Beast’s name in both the book and the film is the same. It is only in the DVD version that Beast’s name is switched. So if you loved watching the original version of Beauty and the Beast and its follow-up movie, you’ll definitely enjoy the new movie as well. You’ll still get all the wonderful music, fantastic visual animations, and tons of great acting that made the original version of such a hit.
One other similarity between the characters of Beauty and the Beast and the movie version is the appearance of Candles. Although not actually named in the movie, it can be assumed that the candles in both stories are based on the same candle. As a matter of fact, there are several times throughout both versions where the appearance of Candles is used, as objects of light or as devices to help Beast reach his goal. One similarity between the two is that both Candles used in Beauty and the Beast have been burned down and are now lifeless. If you’re familiar with both books, you’ll understand why the candle is placed at the center of both: Candles are the means by which Beauty sees the Beast and is able to guide him; in Beauty and the Beast, Candles are also the way Beast steps onto the path of enlightenment.