In the reimagined special, H.E.R. will be bringing Belle to life, previously portrayed by Emma Watson in 2017's live-action feature. Any additional casting is yet to be announced by the streamer.
Through her lead role of Belle in the special, the uber-talented Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist becomes the first Afro Filipina woman to play the character. The "I Can't Breathe" singer-songwriter has expressed her excitement over booking the special. "I can't believe I get to be a part of the Beauty and the Beast legacy. The world will see a Black and Filipino Belle," she said in a statement. "I have always wanted to be a Disney princess, and I get to work with two wonderful directors Hamish Hamilton and my favourite, Jon M. Chu. It is very surreal, and I couldn't be more grateful."
The 25-year-old R&B star is also slated to appear in another modern iteration of a classic musical, "The Colour Purple," alongside a stacked cast that includes Halle Bailey, Ciara, Jon Batiste, and more.