ICYMI, the newest actress playing a Disney Princess is an American singer-songwriter with Filipino roots: H.E.R.. The Grammy Award-winning artist, whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson , was cast as Belle for Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, a live-action special of classic story. Recently, the film has released posters and stills that gives us a first look on what to expect in the special production.
Sneak peek
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In honor of the original animated film, Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration is said to be a combination of the animated film and a live-action special in a two-hour show. On top of highlighting the beloved animated film, the special will also showcase new musical performances, sets, and costumes — all of which have been filmed in front of a live audience.
— Mario🫧🧜🏽♀️ (@mmdisney200) December 6, 2022
Following the completion of the performance, Disney fans got their first look into what the special looks like.
Joining H.E.R. is a cast of equally talented artists: Josh Groban as Beast, Joshua Henry as Gaston, Martin Short as Lumière, David Alan Grier as Cogsworth, Rizwan Manji as LeFou, Jon Jon Briones as Maurice, Leo Abelo Perry as Chip, Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, and Rita Moreno as the narrator. Helming the show is Hamish Hamilton as director and Jon M. Chu as executive producer.
— Mario🫧🧜🏽♀️ (@mmdisney200) December 6, 2022
H.E.R. honors Filipino heritage
For Filipino fans, there’s one thing that stood out. On the apron of one of Belle’s signature outfits is a set of Baybayin characters! If you aren’t familiar, Baybayin is one of the Philippines’ ancient scripts used in the Tagalog language before it was replaced by the Latin alphabet upon the arrival of the Spanish colonists.
Baybayin on @HERMusicx ‘s dress as live action Belle!! My heart. pic.twitter.com/s8fFpboidY
— Jersey trash ᜎᜒᜊᜆᜒᜃᜒ y ᜊᜎᜄᜓᜆ͓ (@markatique) December 7, 2022
What it means
The Baybayin text doesn’t say anything complicated. It simply reads the character’s name in the old Filipino writing system: “Bel”.
The talented H.E.R. (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) – 1st Filipino & Black artist to play “Belle” in “Beauty and the Beast” (airs on ABC on Dec. 15) – represents her Filipino roots through indigenous Tagalog baybayin writings on her outfit. The writing says “Bel”. This is dope. 🤎 pic.twitter.com/6I9ztiWYfX
— E.J. Ramos David, Ph.D. (@ejrdavid) December 8, 2022
While not yet confirmed, it’s safe to infer that H.E.R. was most likely the one who suggested putting Baybayin in one of her Belle costumes. She has previously said that she wants to honor all her heritages, including her Filipino roots. “I’ll continue celebrating [and] representing Pinoy pride, the Philippines and Filipino culture,” she said to GMA News.
Release date
Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration will premiere on US television channel ABC on December 15 before being available on Disney+ on December 16. We’re eagerly waiting for that day, and maybe we can even spot that Baybayin text ourselves!
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