Disney will release Beauty and the Beast in 3D on March 17, 2017. The beloved tale will be retold for the big screen with a modern live-action lens and the help of transformative CG magic. Emma Watson and Dan Stevens will star as Belle and the Beast/Prince respectively, and Luke Evans will play the role of Gaston. Emma Thompson has joined the cast as Mrs. Potts and Kevin Kline as Belle's father, Maurice.

Eight-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards for the 1991 animated classic, will score the film, which will feature new recordings of the original songs in addition to several new songs written by Menken and Sir Tim Rice. Bill Condon will direct from a script by Stephen Chbosky, and the film will be produced by Mandeville Films' David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Production begins in May at Shepperton Studios in London.

We reported last week that Josh Gad has signed on to play LeFou, the sidekick to Luke Evans' Gaston, but since he wasn't mentioned in Disney's press release above, it's possible his deal has yet to be finalized at this time. Beauty and the Beast currently has the March 17, 2017 release date all to itself, but it will open one week before Universal's Kong: Skull Island on March 10 and one week after The Divergent Series: Allegiant: Part 2 on March 24. with production starting in just a few months on Beauty and the Beast, we'll keep you posted with any updates on this 3D live action adaptation.