Beauty and the Beast's monster BO opening hints a sequel is coming

Director Bill Condon’s Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens is well on its way to breaking box office records in its opening weekend. This early success has increased its chances of getting a sequel.

“With the expected monster opening of Beauty and the Beast and the excitement that has surrounded the film, they are already considering a sequel to be released around 2019 or 2020,” said a source.

The film’s box office forecast suggests a US opening of more than $160 million.

“They want everyone back for an original story. It is the next phase of what Disney would like to do with their live-action sequels to their animated classics,” the source added.

The original animated Beauty and the Beast (1991) had three direct-to-video instalments. Set after the events of the first animated film, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas came first and served as holiday special in 1997, followed by Belle’s Magical World in 1998.

The third instalment, Belle’s Tale of Friendship, was released a year later in 1999 to promote Disney’s TV series titled Sing Me a Story with Belle.

Currently, the production company is busy developing live-action remakes of The Lion King, Dumbo, Mulan and The Little Mermaid.