'Belle' trivia and fun facts

Harry Potter

The film count with two actors who was at 'Harry Potter': Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Miranda Richardson (Rita Skeeter).

Looking for the artist

The credits cite David Gant as playing Johan Zoffany in the role of the artist who paints the famous portrait of Dido and Elizabeth, but many art experts now believe the work is by David Martin in the style of Zoffany.

A desire role

Emilia Clarke and Claire Foy auditioned to play the role of Elizabeth Murray.

The destiny's joining

Matthew Goode and Penelope Wilton would both later star in 'Downton Abbey'.

A change of focus

An early version of the script was called 'Belle and Bette', and focused on the relationship between Dido and her cousin Elizabeth.