Beauty And The Beast Behind The Scenes Dan Stevens
Beauty and the Beast is a timeless tale that has captured the hearts of many generations. The 2017 live-action adaptation of the classic Disney animated film was a huge success, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide. One of the standout performances in the film was that of Dan Stevens, who played the Beast. In this article, we will take a look at the behind-the-scenes of Beauty and the Beast and the transformation of Dan Stevens into the iconic character.
The Casting Process
The casting process for the role of the Beast was a difficult one. Director Bill Condon was looking for someone who could not only act but also sing and dance. After an extensive search, Dan Stevens was chosen for the role. Stevens was best known for his role in the television series Downton Abbey and had also appeared in several films such as The Guest and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
The Transformation
To transform into the Beast, Dan Stevens had to go through a grueling process that lasted for months. The first step was to create a body suit that would give him the bulk and size of the Beast. Stevens worked with a personal trainer to gain muscle mass and followed a strict diet to maintain his physique.
The next step was to create the facial features of the Beast. This was done using motion capture technology, where Stevens had to wear a special helmet with cameras that captured his facial expressions. The data was then used to create a computer-generated image of the Beast's face, which was then superimposed onto Stevens' body.
Finally, Stevens had to learn how to move like the Beast. He worked with a movement coach who helped him develop the Beast's distinctive gait and posture. Stevens also had to wear special shoes that had lifts in the heels to make him taller and give him the Beast's animalistic stride.
The Challenges
One of the biggest challenges for Dan Stevens was performing in the motion capture suit. The suit was heavy and uncomfortable, and Stevens had to wear it for long hours on set. He also had to perform in front of a green screen, which meant that he had to imagine the Beast's surroundings and react accordingly.
Another challenge was singing and dancing in the suit. Stevens had to wear a special microphone that was hidden in the suit, and he had to lip-sync to the pre-recorded songs. He also had to dance in the suit, which was a difficult task due to its weight and bulk.
The Final Result
All of the hard work and dedication paid off in the end, as Dan Stevens delivered a standout performance as the Beast. His transformation into the iconic character was nothing short of remarkable, and his portrayal of the Beast's vulnerability and humanity was praised by fans and critics alike.
Overall, Dan Stevens' performance in Beauty and the Beast is a testament to his talent and dedication as an actor. His transformation into the Beast was a challenging and grueling process, but one that ultimately resulted in a memorable and iconic portrayal of a beloved character.