The final U.S. trailer for Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” is live, and the spot offers more insight into Belle’s relationship with her father, the Beast, and the enchanted objects she befriends in the latter’s castle. Most importantly, the preview suggests that Belle is brave, intelligent, and empathetic. While the film’s title draws attention to Belle’s beauty — as does her name — it looks like Disney is really emphasizing her beautiful character in this update of the 1991 animated classic. With proud and outspoken feminist Emma Watson in the lead role, we wouldn’t expect anything less.
“My dear Belle, you’re so ahead of your time,” Belle’s father (Kevin Kline, “Ricki and the Flash”) tells her in the trailer. “This is a small village. And it’s small-minded as well. But small also means safe.” Belle’s father can’t keep her safeguarded from danger, and in fact it’s Belle who comes to his rescue when an altercation with the Beast (Dan Stevens, “Downton Abbey”) leads to his imprisonment in the creature’s castle. She insists on taking her father’s place, though she promises him that she’ll escape. The trailer shows that it’s not long before she has the opportunity to make good on that promise.
The clip features more interaction between Belle and the Beast than we’ve previously been shown — including a funny exchange about his impressive library — and we see Belle getting to know some of the colorful characters that live and work in the castle. The trailer also includes a clip of Ariana Grande and John Legend’s duet of the film’s titular song.
“Beauty and the Beast” hits theaters March 3. The film is directed by Bill Condon (“Dreamgirls”).