Brendan Xavier, known for his role as Kristoff in the Australian production of Frozen, is stepping into an even bigger spotlight. In July 2025, he will bring the iconic Beast to life in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!
A Casting Surprise to Remember
The news of Brendan’s casting as the Beast wasn’t just exciting—it was unforgettable. During a routine check-in, Brendan’s agent slyly dropped the big reveal. Overwhelmed with joy, he collapsed to the floor, much to the concern of his friends. His first call? His mum, of course. For Brendan, this role is more than a dream come true—it’s a powerful affirmation of his talent and hard work. “It’s one of the best feelings you can get as a performer, to feel like you’re sort of performing is validated in that way.“
The Audition Process
Landing the role of the Beast wasn’t a walk in the enchanted forest. Brendan faced an intensive audition process, involving 5 to 6 rounds. These rounds included performing initial scenes and songs participating in workshops, auditioning before increasingly larger panels, and submitting a final filmed audition for approval. Each step challenged Brendan’s ability to embody the Beast while showcasing his skills, adaptability, and capacity to take direction.
Approach to Source Material
While many actors would revisit the beloved animated classic for inspiration, Brendan took a different route. He avoided watching the cartoon version before his audition, wanting to craft an interpretation free of preconceived ideas. After auditioning, he finally watched the film with his family—but kept his excitement in check until the role was officially his.
Transforming Into the Beast
Bringing the Beast to life involves a dramatic physical transformation. Brendan describes the process as intense and transformative, requiring prosthetic features, including a nose, eyebrows, and beard. Multiple wigs and several layers of costumes—sometimes six or seven at a time. These elements not only create the Beast’s imposing appearance but also affect Brendan’s performance, slowing his movements and adding gravity to his actions on stage.
Finding the Beast’s Voice
As a naturally soft-spoken person, developing the Beast’s growly, authoritative voice was one of Brendan’s biggest challenges. Through experimentation and collaboration with directors, he crafted a voice that is both powerful and sustainable for nightly performances. This vocal distinction is essential to conveying the Beast’s duality—both his humanity and his ferocity.
Perth audiences eagerly anticipate his transformation in July 2025, with a performance sure to captivate hearts through its physicality, emotion, and unforgettable charm. Listen to his full conversation with Bec and Asa below!