Deadline is reporting that stage actor Darius Campbell who is also a platinum-selling singer will play the part of Shiro, the Beast.
Campbell, who is virtually unknown in the U.S., rose to fame in the U.K. as a finalist on Popstars and Pop Idol. He has starred in a number of West End musicals, including Chicago and Guys And Dolls. This marks the biggest TV acting gig for Campbell whose previous experience includes a guest spot on an U.K. drama series.
Let me remind everyone that ABC's version should not be confused with the rival
Beauty and the Beast that is also being developed, but by CW. The CW's version will be a remake of the Linda Hamilton, Ron Perlman series that was on the air from 1987 til 1990.
ABC’s drama pilot Beauty And The Beast, a fantasy re-imagining of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale wherein an embattled princess, Grace, discovers an unlikely connection with a mysterious beast, Shiro (Campbell), a mercenary bodyguard. On the project, Campbell joins recently cast Chris Egan who plays Grace’s fiance Gorrick. (The Grace role is yet to be cast).