Alabama Theater Cancels Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' Remake Due to Gay Characters
"We will continue to show family oriented films … without worrying about sex, nudity, homosexuality and foul language," writes the owner of Henagar Drive-In Theatre
Beatrice Verhoeven | March 3, 2017 @ 9:18 AM	Last Updated: March 3, 2017 @ 9:26 AM
An Alabama movie theater has decided to pull its scheduled screenings of Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast" remake because of the film's inclusion of a "homosexual character."
"For those that do not know 'Beauty and the Beast' is 'premiering' their first homosexual character. The producer also says at the end of the movie 'there will be a surprise for same-sex couples.' If we can not take our 11 year old grand daughter and 8 year old grandson to see a movie we have no business watching it," a staff member for the Henagar Drive-In Theatre posted on Facebook on Friday.
Earlier this week, director Bill Condon told Attitude Magazine that "Beauty and the Beast" would feature an "exclusively gay moment" involving Josh Gad's character, LeFou, the buddy of vain villain Gaston (Luke Evans).
See Video: Watch Emma Watson Get Invited to Dinner in New 'Beauty and the Beast' Clip
"LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston," Condon told the magazine. "He's confused about what he wants. It's somebody who's just realizing 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."
But that creative choice doesn't sit well with the new owners of the drive-in in Henagar, Alabama, who cited their Christian beliefs for their decision.
"If I can't sit through a movie with God or Jesus sitting by me then we have no business showing it," they wrote. "I know there will be some that do not agree with this decision. That's fine. We are first and foremost Christians. We will not compromise on what the Bible teaches. We will continue to show family oriented films so you can feel free to come watch wholesome movies without worrying about sex, nudity, homosexuality and foul language. Thank you for your support!"
Also Read: 'Beauty and the Beast' to Roar to Massive $120 Million-Plus Debut Weekend
A representative for Disney, which plans to release the movie on March 17, did not immediately respond to TheWrap's request for comment on the theater's decision.
"Beauty and the Beast" stars Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson.
The film will hit theaters on March 17.
See the Facebook post below.
Emma Watson, Dan Stevens Ooze British Charm at 'Beauty and the Beast' Gala Screening (Photos)
It was all beauty and no beast when Emma Watson and Dan Stevens posed together Thursday for the U.K. launch of Disney's latest live-action remake.
Disney Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Disney
The "Beauty and the Beast" stars epitomized English elegance with a splash of Hollywood glamour at a gala screening in London, England, ahead of the fantasy musical film's March 17 opening.
StillMoving.net for Disney
Best known for her long-running role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, Watson dazzled like a true princess in a silver eco-friendly Emilia Wickstead gown, which draped down the grassy-like green carpet.
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Disney
Watson slips into the role of Belle with ease, opening the film by singing an updated version of the Alan Menken and Howard Ashman classic, "Belle."
Meanwhile, "Legion" star Stevens, who is completely unrecognizable under The Beast's monstrous visage, was a dashing date in a black suit. Stevens revealed that The Beast's face was created by CGI, while he staggered around set on stilts in a muscle suit.
"Beauty and the Beast" also stars Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Stanley Tucci and Audra McDonald.
"Dracula Untold" and "The Hobbit" actor Luke Evans plays the villainous Gaston, a hunter on the loose to take Belle for himself.
Golden Globe, Tony, SAG and countless other awards winner Sir Ian McKellen portrays Cogsworth the Beast's tightly wound and extremely loyal Majordomo.
Beloved British actress Emma Thompson is perfectly cast as Mrs. Potts, the castle's head of the kitchen, who brings a loving, motherly feel to its cold corridors. She is equally as comforting to Belle and Maurice even after she's transformed into a teapot by the Enchantress.
Stanley Tucci (left, with Evans), who received an Oscar Best Supporting Actor for 2009's "The Lovely Bones," plays Cadenza the grand piano, a new character who is described as a neurotic maestro.
Bill Condon ("Gods and Monsters," "Chicago," "Kinsey," "Dreamgirls") directs the latest adaptation of Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont's fairy tale, which was written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos.
Child star Nathan Mack, appearing as Chip in the Disney fantasy flick, was interviewed by an equally-young reporter on the red carpet at the U.K. screening.
Estimated to enjoy a huge opening of $120 million-plus, the musical follows in the footsteps of Disney's other live-action fantasy films such as "Alice in Wonderland," "Maleficent," "Cinderella" and "The Jungle Book."
The "Harry Potter" actress and the "Legion" star join the rest of the cast at the launch of Disney's live-action musical, which dances into theaters March 17
'Beauty and the Beast' Review: Dan Stevens Stands Out in Overstuffed Remake
By Dan Callahan | March 16, 2017 @ 7:45 PM
'Beauty and the Beast' No. 1 in Fandango Ticket Sales 6 Weeks Before Opening
By Jeremy Fuster | February 2, 2017 @ 8:40 AM
'Beauty and the Beast' Final Trailer Teases Epic John Legend, Ariana Grande Duet (Video)
By Joe Otterson | January 31, 2017 @ 6:45 AM