“Beauty and the Beast” by Jul: A Controversial Rewrite Canceled by the French Ministry of Education

The French Ministry of Education had commissioned 800,000 copies of a modernized version of Beauty and the Beast, illustrated by cartoonist Jul, as part of the A Book for the Holidays initiative for fifth-grade students. However, on March 20, Minister Elisabeth Borne announced the cancellation of the order, deeming the book “inappropriate” without educational guidance. Jul, on the other hand, denounces what he sees as “censorship” with ideological undertones.

A Reinterpretation Rooted in the Modern World

Based on the 1756 version by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, the book retains the original text while being accompanied by contemporary illustrations by Jul (Lucky Luke, Silex and the City). Moving away from traditional fairy tales, this adaptation places Belle in a modern setting: wearing sneakers, taking selfies with the Beast, and reading both classic literature and books about rapper Dr. Dre.

Her father, a ruined merchant, is inspected by customs after receiving counterfeit goods from Algeria. Her sisters, caricatures of consumer culture, sport flashy outfits labeled “Chacal numéro 5” and “Moche & Gabbana,” while their suitors ignore them by blocking them on social media. Meanwhile, the enchanted mirror is replaced by a digital tablet allowing Belle to communicate with her father via Zoom.

Certain scenes have drawn particular attention: Belle enjoying a spread called “El Mordjene,” or her father singing Les Lacs du Connemara with a bottle of wine in hand.

“Not Appropriate”: The Ministry of Education Justifies Its Decision

Speaking on Europe 1, Elisabeth Borne explained that while Jul “is very talented and adept at irony and second-degree humor,” these elements require educational support to be understood by 10-year-old students. Caroline Pascal, director of the General Directorate for School Education, further argued that the book tackled “themes more suited to older students, such as high schoolers,” citing alcohol, social media, and complex social realities.

Jul, however, sees this decision as ideologically motivated: “The only explanation seems to be the fear of depicting a world of princes and princesses that looks more like today’s schoolchildren,” he told AFP. He also refutes allegations of cultural insensitivity: “These characters are neither Arab nor Muslim; they simply have slightly darker skin than the usual blonde princesses. Belle looks like an Italian, a Greek, a Lebanese—like the France of today.”

A Book Shelved but Not Abandoned

Despite being withdrawn from the A Book for the Holidays initiative, the book will still be published. Instead, fifth-grade students will receive another literary classic: The Odyssey.

“Perhaps, in a classroom setting with teachers, this second-degree humor could be explained,” conceded Elisabeth Borne, suggesting that the book could still be used in a different context. Jul, however, remains firm: “We were stunned. This situation reveals a disturbing and absurd trend.”