ABC Sets Beauty and the Beast Live Special

It's been 30 years since the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast became the first animated feature to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and ABC is celebrating by creating a live special of the beloved film.

The two-hour special will feature both live-action and animation, complete with a new cast as well as brand new musical performances, sets, and costumes. Songs from the original film will also be featured.

Jon M. Chu, director of In the Heights and the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, will executive produce, with Hamish Hamilton on hand as director. Hamilton is known for directing award shows such as the Emmys and Grammys, as well as the Super Bowl halftime show. He also directed ABC's Little Mermaid Live, which aired in 2019.

The president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, Craig Erwich, told The Hollywood Reporter that the Beauty and the Beast special will "bring a modern twist to this beloved classic" with "unforgettable performances."

"With world-class creatives and talent to reinterpret the classic musical numbers (with a few surprises), I can't wait for the audiences, in person and at home, to experience what we have in store for them," Chu added. "It's a true celebration of creativity."

The Beauty and the Beast special will air December 15 on ABC. It will be available to stream the following day on Disney+.

Kirstie Renae is a writer, blogger, and Austin-based actress with a penchant for binge-watching TV with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter @KirstieRenae.