13 Ways 'Beauty and the Beast' Is *Completely* Different from the Original
Three cheers for Belle's kick-ass feminism.

We saw Beauty and the Beast, and guys. Guys. We are literally having to physically restrain ourselves from writing this article in all-caps with a million exclamation marks—that's how good it was. Actually, screw it: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WAS GLORIOUS!!!!!!
But now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's discuss how Disney's live-action remake is different than the original. Because even though the plot is essentially the same (girl meets beast, beast locks girl in a castle with a humanoid candle—you know the drill), there are some key differences to break down. Ya ready? (Note: Mild spoilers within.)
1. The Prince has a very strong face beat—complete with colorful eyeliner. Truly, he could have moonlighted as a YouTube makeup vlogger if that shady enchantress hadn't cast a spell on him. Alternate title: Beauty and the Vlogger.
2. Speaking of the Beast, we finally know why he's the emo Bright Eyes of Disney movies. Turns out his mom died when he was just a child, meaning he didn't have any strong women in his life. Lesson learned? Women make everything better and without us you might get cursed and turn into a giant monster. Just saying.
3. Oh, and Belle has a backstory, too. Turns out her mom also died (of the plague—that's right, Disney just got real dark) when she was a baby, and her dad had to whisk her out of Paris as a result. By the way, we find this out when the Beast and Belle read a magical book that transports her to the apartment she grew up in.
4. There are a slew of new musical numbers, and frankly we're not sure how we feel about them. Not only does Belle's dad get a chance to sing his heart out, the Beast pulls a Drake and spills his emotions multiple times. Cool, but let's be honest: we're here for the classics.
5. The movie is way more diverse. Not only does Beauty and the Beast feature several interracial relationships, Belle's friend, the bookshop owner, is black. This makes a welcome change from the white-washed world of the original.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
6. Despite being in unrequited love with Gaston throughout the film, Le Fou gets the happy ending he deserves with a drag-wearing reformed henchman. Disney should certainly be applauded for finally featuring LGBTQ representation, but don't be surprised if critics fault said representation for being stereotypical...there's definitely a lot to discuss.
7. Speaking of representation, Belle is a full-fledged feminist. Not only is she an inventor, she helps other girls in the town learn to read despite opposition from #The Patriarchy, puts Gaston in his place all kinds of ways, and—most importantly—tries to escape from the Beast by throwing a makeshift rope out her bedroom window. Belle's resignation to living that Stockholm Syndrome life was a huge problem in the original movie, so this is a welcome change.
8. There's so much gold in the Beast's castle. We were seriously thinking he might morph into Donald Trump upon becoming human again.
9. Belle spends most of the movie wearing what we believe might, in fact, be TOMS. Someone explain.
10. Disney *kinda* addresses how insane it is that Belle is in love with what is essentially a large dog. Because guys, there's a word for that: beastiality. (Pun very much intended.) And sure, the movie can't make too much fun of itself, but there are a few meta moments—including Belle asking the Beast to grow a beard after he's turned back into a human.
11. Did you ever feel like the Beast kinda, IDK, overreacted by imprisoning Belle's dad? Disney tried to explain his unlikable decision by a) having Papa Belle steal a rose from the Beast's garden, and b) having the Beast go on a moody rant about how if *he* has to be punished for eternity, everyone else should be too. Typical white male. Oh wait.
12. Lumière is creepy AF. Look, we love him no matter what, but there's something about this face that will haunt our dreams for years to come:
13. And finally, the enchantress gets way more screen time. In fact, after cursing the Beast at the beginning of the film, this meddling lady hangs in the local village pretending to be a homeless person, and ends up saving Belle's father after Gaston leaves him for dead. Which, cool/fine/whatever—but still doesn't explain 1) why she's so obsessed with teaching the Beast a lesson, 2) why she wouldn't at the very least hook herself up with a fancy apartment to wait it out, and 3) why she curses the Beast's innocent servants into terrifying talking objects.
Watch Beauty and the Beast in theaters on March 17.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.












-
In 'Opus,' Cult Leaders and Pop Stars Are One in the Same
The A24 film's costume and production designers open up about crafting fictional pop icon Moretti’s style and mysterious estate.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl' Is a Revolutionary Call to Speak Up Against Female Abuse
After showing how a culture of silence around abuse can devastate entire generations, the arresting A24 film holds a mirror up to the audience and asks, \201cWhat happens if we scream?\201d
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
'Anora' Star Mikey Madison Takes Home the Best Actress Award at the 2025 Oscars in a Surprise Win
"I will continue to support and be an ally."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Zoe Saldaña Becomes the First American of Dominican Origin to Win an Oscar
"I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award and I know I will not be the last."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open the 2025 Oscars With a Showstopping 'Wicked' Performance
The awards show began with a medley of songs inspired by the Best Picture-nominated film and adaptations of 'The Wizard of Oz.'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Everything to Know About the 2025 Oscars, From How to Watch to the Nominations
It's bound to be an unpredictable awards show.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
Cazzie David Spent Five Years Fighting to Make an "Anti-Rom-Com" About Emotional Abuse
The writer/actress opens up about how she found catharsis after a breakup by making 'I Love You Forever.'
By Sadie Bell Published