*Though Disney fans won’t get their first look at the new live-action “Beauty and the Beast” until March 17, the cast and other Hollywood A-listers attended the Los Angeles premiere at the famous El Capitan theater Thursday night.
EURweb correspondent Cory A. Haywood was on the scene to share in the festivities. You can watch him work the red carpet via the video above.
From Audra McDonald (who plays Madame Garderobe in the film) to John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen to the ageless Toni Braxton, the atmosphere was full of nostalgia and excitement over the new remake.
“It was a dream come true [playing her role in the movie]”, McDonald explained. “I hope opportunities like this will make themselves available to more women of color in the future. I’m hopeful to see it happen.”
She added, “ Black women are slowly gaining respect in this [film] industry. I’ve seen a lot of new content created that tell stories about the black experience. It’s a start, but we have to keep going. I’m looking forward to more progress.” 
It was an evening of whimsy and wonderment as hundreds of wide-eyed spectators gathered on Hollywood Blvd to catch a glimpse of the star-studded lineup of celebrities who attended the premiere, including the entire cast of “Beauty and the Beast.” Like moths to a flame, scores of reporters wrestled for position on the red carpet to snag an exclusive interview with one of the stars.
Beauty and the Beast focuses on the relationship between the Beast (Dan Stevens), a prince who is magically transformed into a monster as punishment for his arrogance, and Belle (Emma Watson), a beautiful young woman whom he imprisons in his castle. To become a prince again, Beast must win her love in return otherwise, he remains a monster forever.
The film premiered on February 23, 2017 in London, England and is to be released in the United States on March 17, 2017, in standard, Disney Digital 3-D, RealD 3D, IMAX formats and Dolby Cinema.
