BBC News School Report @ LCS

Beauty and the Beast is set to be released tomorrow in the UK, with box office estimated to be around £160,000,000. A star-studded cast takes part in this live screen adaptation of the original Tale as Old as Time.

Seems the perfect movie to pay to see, right? Well, Malaysia seems to disagree. They have pulled out from releasing it today, due to a minor characters ‘gay moment’. The character, LeFou (Josh Gad), is seen dancing with another man near the end of the movie, sparking rage into many as it is a ‘shameful representation of sin’.

The director of the movie, Bill Condon confirmed that LeFou is gay, and also stated that the movies main villain, Gaston, played by Luke Evans, is also ‘confused about his sexuality’.

The scene was originally meant to be cut out of the movie but was later decided not to be shown. Other countries, such as Singapore did similar things, including making the movie a PG-13.

Despite the setback, the movie is said to be popular, critics stating it to be ‘beautifully staged’ and ‘a new classic’.

The cast includes Emma Watson (well known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films) as Belle, Dan Stevens as The Beast/Prince Adam, Luke Evans, Josh Gad (best known as Olaf the snowman in Frozen), Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Emma Thompson (Nanny McPhee, Brave).

Beauty and the Beast is the 5th live action movie Disney has produced and there’s a long list of others following it, including Mulan, Aladdin and even The Lion King.

Does this scene put you off the movie? Would you still pay to see it?

We asked some teachers around school some questions on this ‘gay moment’, here is what they had to say-

Interviewer: Does this ‘gay moment’ put you off watching the movie?

Miss Came (a PSHE teacher): Definitely not! I think its long time overdue, it’s very important to show variety and highlight that anyone in the community is not alone!

Interviewer: Do you think adding more LGBTQ+ characters into the Disney universe is a good idea?

Anonymous: If the roles are appropriate and aren’t forced, it could be good by showing more variety.

Interviewer: Is there anyone in the Disney universe you’d like to see part of the LGBT+ community?

Mr. Smith: I’ve always wanted Mater the tow truck to be gay- he can always pick up other male cars.