Disney has long been a dominant force in fairy tale storytelling, yet it took 34 years to recognize that Gaston isn’t actually the main antagonist in “Beauty and the Beast”. While some might argue that having multiple antagonists in Disney films is illogical regarding this specific story, they certainly contribute to a gripping narrative and a captivating romance. Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, “Beauty and the Beast” was first released in 1991. Even with limited information about him, such as the unnamed Prince in “Beauty and the Beast”, the Beast stands out among Disney’s royal characters as a powerful figure.
The plot revolves around Belle sacrificing her liberty to rescue her father, who is held captive by the Beast. This means that the Prince in “Beauty and the Beast” faced some of the harshest penalties ever depicted in a Disney animated film, all inflicted by one person alone. Despite having a larger role in the live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast,” the Enchantress’s actions have far more profound effects than any other character, hinting that her role in the original movie was significantly more pivotal than previously understood.
Why The Enchantress Is The Real Villain Of Beauty & the Beast
The Enchantress’ Actions Are Far Worse Than You Imagine In Beauty & the Beast
Upon careful analysis, it’s clear that the Enchantress plays the role of the real antagonist in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The curse she cast on the Prince, turning him into a beast and confining him to a tower, was her most destructive deed. Her reasoning for cursing the Prince seems unreasonably severe for merely denying her shelter in the tower. Additionally, it’s important to note that the Enchantress’ retribution affected not only the Prince but also innocent individuals who had no part in his rude behavior, causing his entire household staff to be transformed into lifeless objects. It’s one thing to unfairly punish someone, but to extend that punishment to those with no involvement is a truly villainous act.
| Movie | Year | Worldwide Box Office | Rotten Tomato Critic Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beauty and the Beast | 1991 | $451,291,298 | 95% |
| Beauty and the Beast | 2017 | $1.263 billion | 71% |
In my humble opinion as a movie reviewer, the obstacles set by the curse in this tale are undeniably designed to be insurmountable. The Beast, a creature once a prince, is doomed unless he finds true love before the last petal drops from the enchanted rose. With his transformed appearance and solitude, it’s hard not to question if this heart-warming ending could ever be a reality for him.
The young age of the Prince at the time of the curse’s casting makes the Enchantress’s punishment all the more merciless. At just 10 or 11 years old, the Enchantress effectively robbed the Prince of his childhood, denying him the chance to grow and mature naturally. It seems that with age and life experiences, the Prince might have outgrown his self-centered ways, making the Enchantress’s extreme intervention truly wicked.
It can be strongly argued that the Enchantress from Beauty and the Beast is undeniably portrayed as the antagonist due to her lack of remorse or consequences for her harmful actions. She causes immense pain to the Prince and his staff without showing any regret, and she’s absent during the act where her curse is lifted. While she aims to teach the Prince about inner beauty, her curse is so severe and widespread that it seems more like vengeance than a lesson. Even though Gaston appears villainous within the story, the lasting impact of the Enchantress’s evil overshadows his actions.
There Is Debate Over Gaston’s Status As Beauty & the Beast’s Main Villain
Gaston Could Have Had Good Intentions But Executed Them Badly
In the story of Beauty and the Beast, some people believe Gaston is portrayed as a hero. Although I’m not completely convinced by this perspective, it becomes more plausible when examined closely. Living in the same town as Belle, Gaston persists in his attempts to wed her despite her repeated rejections. However, upon hearing about the Beast who has imprisoned “the woman he’s always been in love with,” he rallies the village to rescue Belle and their entire town. It is essential to note that Gaston is unaware that the Beast poses no real danger.
In essence, this theory posits that while Gaston’s fundamental goals and motivations appear genuine, his behavior, demeanor, and approach often deviate from them. It could be argued that these inconsistencies may not be entirely within his power to control. Interestingly, Gaston displays a heroic act by risking his own life to rescue Belle when she was taken captive by the Beast, an act of selflessness indeed. However, aside from this noble deed, Gaston enjoys widespread admiration from the townsfolk, suggesting that he must have a past filled with commendable actions prior to the events depicted in “Beauty and the Beast.
Gaston Is Still Awful In Beauty & the Beast, But So Is The Enchantress
The Enchantress’ Actions Were Far More Damaging
It’s clear that despite Gaston possibly having good intentions, there is a vast amount of evidence pointing to his questionable character. For example, he resorted to bribery to manipulate the town’s warden into declaring Belle’s father, Maurice, insane and locking him away. In such a situation, the results do not justify the methods used. As a result, Gaston has consistently been portrayed as the villain in Disney’s fairytale since its debut in 1991.
In Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” while Gaston may seem like an unquestionable antagonist, it could be argued that he is merely a result of the Enchantress’ initial actions. Essentially, one might say that Gaston is a byproduct of the scenario set in motion by the Enchantress. Contrarily, it was the Enchantress who initiated the series of events in this tale, as she placed the curse on the Beast. Therefore, it can be argued that the Enchantress is the mastermind behind the story’s unfolding and, thus, the true villain. This perspective is essential to consider when evaluating Gaston’s actions and their impact on the narrative.
Indeed, while Gaston’s bold actions tend to grab attention, the Enchantress emerges as a more formidable antagonist in Disney’s 2017 live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast.” Compared to the original animation, the remake features significant changes, and one of the most notable is the expanded role of the Enchantress. In the original film, her part was quite small and she was scarcely seen, but in the live-action version, the Enchantress has a recurring presence. This consistent appearance might make her seem more actively engaged and potentially manipulative throughout “Beauty and the Beast.
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2025-05-11 05:56