Earlier this month news broke concerning the upcoming live-action BEAUTY AND THE BEAST from Disney when they attached Bill Condon to direct. The news left me asking what ever happened to on Guillermo del Toro’s live-action Beauty and the Beast adaptation? Emma Watson has been set to star since 2012 and the project remained quiet since. Well the news today isn't great; del Toro has dropped himself from the project as director and will simply produce the movie.
Deadline reports that scheduling conflicts are the reason for del Toro’s departure. It's a busy time in Hollywood for adaptations, especially those with Disney’s name on them. A few days ago we told you that del Toro was writing PACIFIC RIM 2, so perhaps there is something positive to take from this story and that's the assumption he will do that sequel sooner rather than later. I don't care if I'm reaching, this story made me sad.
Del Toro just started post-production on his haunted house drama CRIMSON PEAK, so there is something to look forward to from the great director.