<Tr> <Th> Nationality </Th> <Td> French </Td> </Tr> <P> The Beast is a fictional character who appears in Walt Disney Animation Studios' 30th animated feature film Beauty and the Beast (1991). He also appears in the film's two direct - to - video followups Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas and Belle's Magical World . Based on the hero of the French fairy tale by Jeanne - Marie Leprince de Beaumont, the Beast was created by screenwriter Linda Woolverton and animated by Glen Keane . </P> <P> A pampered prince transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his cold - hearted and selfish ways, the Beast must, in order to return to his former self, earn the love of a beautiful young woman named Belle who he imprisons in his castle . All this must be done before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose on his twenty - first birthday . In all animated film appearances, the Beast is voiced by American actor Robby Benson . The 1991 animated film was adapted into a Broadway musical in 1994, with the role being originated by American actor Terrence Mann . Dan Stevens portrays the character in a 2017 live - action adaptation of the original 1991 film . </P> <P> Determining a suitable appearance for the Beast proved challenging . Although entirely fictional, supervising animator Glen Keane felt it essential for the Beast to resemble a creature that could possibly be found on Earth as opposed to an alien . The initial designs had the Beast as humanoid but with an animal head attached as per the original fairy tale, but soon shifted towards more unconventional forms . The earlier sketches of the Beast's character design are seen as gargoyles and sculptures in the Beast's castle . </P>

Beauty and the beast why is he a beast
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