Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald on the ‘dream’ of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ reboot

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A tale as old as time is getting a fresh life on-screen.

A live-action retelling of Disney’s classic Beauty and the Beast hits theaters next Friday, and Entertainment Studios’ Jon Kelley got exclusive interviews with some of the cast.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle, Concussion, Beyond the Lights) portrays “Plumette,” a playful housemaid turned feather duster in the Beast’s mysterious castle.

Mbatha-Raw said the chance to play a lighter role was “liberating” and a needed departure from some of the more serious roles that have defined her career.

“This is my first Disney film that I’ve ever been a part of,” Mbatha-Raw said. “But Disney’s been a part of my whole life. Growing up, I watched the original animation when I was about eight years old. I became so obsessed with it. The music just brings back this nostalgia and energy from my childhood which is really cool.

Joining Mbatha-Raw in the All-Star cast is Broadway legend Audra McDonald. McDonald plays “Madame de Garderobe,” a woman who was turned into a wardrobe by the Enchantress’ curse on the Beast.

“[Having this role] just felt like I went from fifth cousin to maybe second cousin in the Disney family,” McDonald laughed. “It’s just a childhood dream come true.”