‘Beauty And The Beast’ Prequel Delayed; Scripts, Music Not Ready – Report

Disney+ has opted to delay its “Beauty and the Beast” prequel series without providing a reason for the decision.

Production was originally set to start in the U.K. in the summer. But the streamer dropped a bombshell Thursday when it announced that work on the eight-episode series won’t be moving forward at this time, Deadline reported.

Disney+ did not share the reason why it has chosen to shelve the project. However, anonymous sources told the outlet that it might have something to do with the scripts and the original music for the show allegedly running behind schedule.

There’s also word that creative differences were taking a toll on the scripts for the series, the outlet noted. Since the scripts did not come together in the expected direction for the show, producers ultimately decided to put the project on hold, said Deadline’s sources.

Production was previously moved from early spring to summer. Producers had the option to delay it again and schedule the filming for the fall, but sources noted that the producers had already factored in talent availability and weather concerns before reaching the decision this week.

The “Beauty and the Beast” prequel will focus more on Gaston and LeFou. Actors Luke Evans and Josh Gad, who portrayed the characters in the 2017 remake, are headlining the project, said Collider.

The series will also introduce new characters to fans as Fra Fee, Briana Middleton, Rita Ora and Jelani Alladin have been tapped to join Evans and Gad on the show.

The show’s synopsis reads: “Set in the iconic kingdom of Beauty and the Beast years before the Beast and Belle’s epic romance, the series follows Gaston (Evans) and LeFou (Gad) as they set off with LeFou’s step-sister, Tilly (Middleton), after a surprising revelation from her past comes to light, sending the unlikely trio off on an unexpected journey filled with romance, comedy, and adventure. While the mysteries of the past are uncovered and the dangers of the present grow, old friends and new enemies reveal that this familiar kingdom harbors many secrets.”

“Once Upon a Time” creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz are serving as showrunners for the project alongside Gad, according to The Hollywood Reporter.