Luke Evans cast as Gaston opposite Emma Watson in Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'

Jenny Depper
Updated


By THE WRAP

Luke Evans is nearing a deal to play Gaston opposite Emma Watson's Belle in Disney's live-action musical "Beauty and the Beast," an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.

Bill Condon ("The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn") will direct from a script written by Stephen Chbosky, who directed Watson in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." Evan Spiliotopoulos wrote the previous draft of the screenplay.

David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman are producing under their Mandeville Films banner.

Newly-minted Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne recently passed on the role of Gaston, which opened the door for Evans to snag the coveted role.

"Beauty and the Beast" is the latest Disney classic to receive a live-action adaptation following "Maleficent," "Cinderella" and Jon Favreau's upcoming take on "The Jungle Book."

Evans is represented by WME and United Agents.

Variety broke the news.

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