Josh Gad surprises Beauty and the Beast moviegoers

Josh Gad surprised moviegoers in New York on Thursday (16Mar17) by popping up at two screenings of his new movie Beauty And The Beast.

The Frozen star, who plays LeFou in the live-action adaptation of the beloved Disney movie, greeted fans and joined them for a sing-a-long at the AMC Loews theater, before heading over to the Regal E-Walk cinema by Times Square.

After engaging with moviegoers, Gad thanked them for checking out the movie.

"On behalf of the cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast, thank you guys so much for your incredible support," he said. "I hope you enjoy it."

Gad's portrayal of LeFou has caused a stir as Disney's first gay character, with bosses at a cinema in Alabama refusing to screen the film and censors in Russia slapping a 16+ rating on the movie.

The film's release in Malaysia has also been canceled indefinitely with Disney officials insisting they will not edit the minor gay scene out to appease censors in the Muslim country.