Attitude recently sat down with Watson and Steven for their latest cover. They discussed their roles and how the movie explores the plight of the misfit. Director Bill Condon also promised an "exclusively gay moment" between Gaston and LeFou (played by Josh Gad).
Related | The Full Version of Ariana Grande & John Legend's "Beauty and the Beast" Has Arrived
"LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston," Condon told Attitude. "He's confused about what he wants. It's somebody who's just realising that he has these feelings. And Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And that's what has its payoff at the end, which I don't want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie."
Condon also explained how the story was shaped by lyricist Howard Ashman's struggle with AIDS during the production of the 1991 movie. It was something that made Ashman identify with the Beast and ultimately make him a central character, whereas it was mostly Belle's story before.
"Specifically for him it was a metaphor for AIDS," Condon continued. "He was cursed and this curse had brought sorrow on all those people who loved him and maybe there was a chance for a miracle and a way for the curse to be lifted. It was a very concrete thing that he was doing."
Beauty and the Beast premieres March 17. Meanwhile, we can enjoy this moment between the LeFou and Gaston:
