These 'Beauty & The Beast' Images Are Revealing

If you've been desperately hankering to find out more about Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast since the release of the brief and mysterious trailer back in May, then you're in luck. This week's copy of Entertainment Weekly has the exclusive scoop on the upcoming film, including some brand new pictures from Beauty and the Beast which are going to make you want to burst out into song. Giving some more glimpses at Belle (Emma Watson), Beast (Dan Stevens), and Gaston (Luke Evans) — as well as a close look at Cogsworth, Lumière, and Mrs. Potts — the pictures are sure to make the hearts of Disney fans fire up into a frenzy. But aside from being supremely exciting, there are actually also a few clues hidden in the Beauty and the Beast images that are worth exploring.

Because so far, Disney has been careful not to reveal too much to fans prior to the release of Beauty and the Beast on March 17, 2017, and I don't know about you, but I'm so ready to know more about the film. Like, will there be any modern updates to the story? Any twists on the love affair between Belle and the Beast? And will Belle's breathtaking yellow dress from the original movie be just as heart-stopping? Let's take a look.

The Beast & Belle's Relationship Looks More Intellectual

Okay, let's just pause for a second to admire the fact that the Beast is reading a book — something that Belle from the original animated movie was very fond of. However, it's worth noting the look of concern on both of their faces based on whatever it is they're reading. Perhaps it's something pertaining to his curse, or maybe it's a deeply touching piece of prose that he felt worthy of reading out to Belle. Either way, consider me floored.

The second thing to take note of in this image is the chess set in the foreground and the globe model in the background. I can totally imagine Belle and the Beast having some serious chemistry together during (and possibly even falling in love over) several games of chess. And considering that Belle in the original movie wanted "adventure in the great wide somewhere," that globe model takes on a new significance. Perhaps the Beast is eager to whisk Belle away after his curse lifted and show her a global adventure.

As a result, these little visual gestures could suggest that the relationship between the two may have a lot more depth and substance than in the original cartoon.

The Beast's Castle Servants Are All Looking Especially Classy (Though A Key Character Is Missing)

I see that Cogsworth (the clock), Lumière (the candelabra), Babette (the duster), and Mrs. Potts (the teapot) are all present, but what about Chip — Mrs. Potts' tea cup son? Both the absence of Chip, as well as the extremely sophisticated appearance of the characters, makes me think that the film may be developing them in a slightly more mature and serious manner than the animation did.

It's also worth noting how sad and stoic all of their expressions are in the above image. Though I have no doubt that they'll still be able to blast a roaring and upbeat rendition of "Be Our Guest" when the time is right, it looks as though their overall personalities (which could be very droll) may not have changed much and may even be more prominent in this version.

Books Are Still A Pivotal Part Of Belle's Life

And thank goodness for that. Because I'm sure that the majority of fans swooned over Belle's library books just as much as the character did. Also worth noting: The book shelf ladder is still present, which means that there's a great chance of seeing Watson glide along those rows of books while proclaiming her love for whatever book she's grabbing.

Belle's Ball Gown Is On-Point (& More Comfortable Looking Than The Original)

Looking lightweight and free from any of the painful waist-cinching corset bones which fans may have expected from the look (similar to what happened in the waist-crunching dress of the live-action Cinderella), Belle's dress is still jaw-droppingly beautiful, but in a much relaxed manner.

If, as the first picture of the list implies, Belle and the Beast's romance is based just as much on chemistry as it is an intellectual connection, then this version of the dress certainly reflects that by being more lightweight, easygoing, and carefree. After all, as Belle learned from her love of books, there are few things more spiritually liberating than having your mind and your heart stimulated at once.

Gaston Is Still An Egomaniac

I mean, wow — just look at the setup of that scene. Not only is there an adoring crowd (who appear to be literally singing his praises, probably to the song "Gaston"), but the guy is also loving every minute of it. He has a facial expression full of self-gratification and glee. He was The Worst in the original animated movie, and by the looks of things, he's just as bad in the new live-action version.

After all, this scene could well be the one in which Gaston rabble rouses the town into joining him in attempting to slay the Beast (and marry Belle, against her will).

Belle Appears To Be On Castle Cleaning Duties

I can't help but feel that this image is something of a reference to the iconic stained glass windows of Beauty Of The Beast — with Belle being beautifully framed by what is, unfortunately, a very grubby window pane. The very fact that Belle appears to be cleaning the window, however, could indicate a couple of things.

Firstly, it could be that the Beast puts her to work on cleaning his castle the second she appears at his gigantic abode (he's been alone for a long time, and maybe his Beast paws simply can't hack it), or it could suggest how kind-natured and full of empathy Belle may be toward her captor (or his poor servants, also held prisoner within the curse). The third option, and by far my favorite one, is that this is simply a big window in the enormous castle library which Belle has fallen in love with and she wants to take care of it.

And there you have it, folks. Personally, I definitely hope that the romance between Belle and the Beast turns out to be as deep and intellectual as these pictures imply, but also that the story is to the canon of the original — while adding what looks like some fresh, new, and modern touches.

Images: Laurie Sparham/ Entertainment Weekly (7)