Almost a decade ago, Disney reimagined a classic animated film with a modern princess twist, giving audiences a heroine who was bold, independent, and unforgettable.
The live-action version of Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson was released in theaters on March 17, 2017. It reimagined the classic story for a modern audience while preserving the magic of the original animated film.
From the film’s opening moments, audiences were swept away by the film’s stunning visuals, elaborate costumes, and the magic of a story that feels both timeless and brand new. Watson’s Belle was charming, smart, and spunky, traits that made her impossible not to root for.
In a Disney featurette, Watson explained Belle’s modern twist. She explained she “wanted to give her this element of being quite industrious and very inventive. I know what she meant to me as a young girl. When you love something that much, you really want to do it justice.”
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The film’s director, Bill Condon said that this version of Belle’s story was different from the original. In the updated version, Belle wasn’t looking for a prince to save her.
He called the character “the first modern Disney princess who doesn’t want to be a princess. Someone more interested in figuring out who she is than finding a guy and getting married.”
To Vanity Fair, Watson further explained the updated heroine. “I hope girls and anyone who watches the film understands that when you feel odd or different, it’s O.K. Belle didn’t fit in, and she didn’t let people judge her—and that made her strong and important.”
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The 2017 version of the film would go on to gross over $1.2B worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. In contrast, the 1991 animated film version grossed $451M worldwide.
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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