UPDATED: “Beauty” casts its villain?

by · March 4, 2015

While rumors persist that a number of leading men are up for the role of the Beast opposite Emma Watson, Beauty and the Beast has potentially cast its villain.

Variety announced today that the role of Gaston has been under negotiation with actor Luke Evans attached, most recently seen in and perhaps easily recognized from The Hobbit films and last year’s Dracula Untold.

We’re curious to see how this “tale as old as time” will actually be retold and if Gaston will be as horrible in the live-action version as he was in the animated film, in which he incited a riot of the townspeople to kill the Beast.

Ryan Gosling is rumored to have been offered the role of the Beast, but no word on whether he is really considering the role or not. Other names fans have been throwing in the Sorting Hat are from the Potter universe, like Tom Felton and Daniel Radcliffe. We suspect that shippers may be responsible.

Production on the film is set to begin in late 2015.

What do you think of this potential casting? Do you think Luke can pull off the nefarious Gaston? Let us know in the comments!

UPDATE: 

Earlier today Emma seemed to confirm both the casting of Luke Evans as Gaston, and the casting of the Beast on her Twitter, by writing,

How excited are you? We can’t wait! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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