What if Gaston Survived the Fall: The Deleted Ending

In the original Beauty and the Beast animated film, Gaston was slated to survive the fall from the tower, but with a broken leg. Instead, he was to be stalked and ultimately consumed by the pack of wolves. This chilling, unresolved ending was cut from the final version of the film for reasons related to thematic maturity. Let's explore the storyboard of this deleted scene and discuss its implications for the overall storyline and character development.

The Original Storyboard

The storyboard for what would be the final scene in Beauty and the Beast was originally conceived as a much darker and more foreboding conclusion. Here, Gaston, after escaping from the tower with a broken leg, would find himself in a helpless and vulnerable position. The wolves, with their relentless and cruel tendencies, would then gradually approach him. As the scene progresses, the tension builds as the wolves circle around Gaston, their hunger piqued by his weakened state. Eventually, one of the wolves makes the first move, pouncing on him and dragging him away.

The storyboard continues with a close-up of the wolves tearing Gaston apart. This graphic and brutal imagery serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of betrayal and arrogance. While the audience may feel a quick sympathy for Gaston, the ending would leave a lasting impact, reinforcing the themes of justice and retribution.

Why the Original Ending Was Cut

Given the PG rating of the film, the original ending was considered too mature and violent for a young audience. The studio opted for a less graphic and more positive conclusion, with Gaston falling into a watery abyss and losing all his plumage, symbolizing his downfall. This change was a strategic decision to make the film more suitable for children while still delivering a meaningful message.

Themes and Character Development

The original ending would have significantly changed the character dynamics and thematic tone of Beauty and the Beast. It would have highlighted the consequences of Gaston's actions, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and the futility of attempts to control nature. This would have added depth to the story and provided a more complex character arc for Gaston, as well as for other characters who might have seen his fall as a lesson in morality.

For the audience, the original ending would have been a more visceral and somber conclusion, potentially leading to a more memorable experience and a lingering sense of unease. However, the cut version maintains a lighter tone while still delivering a powerful message about honor and integrity.

Conclusion and Community Reactions

The original storyboard for Beauty and the Beast became a point of interest for fans and critics alike, often with debates sparking over which ending was better. Many felt that having Gaston survive to face his true nature could have provided a more resonant and unforgettable ending. However, the current version, while perhaps less shocking, still retains its strength and relevance.

End Note

The Beauty and the Beast deleted ending offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the balance between thematic depth and audience appeal. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and how even small changes can influence the overall impact of a film.