Luke Evans nabs Gaston role in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast

First there was the announcement that Emma Watson was going to play Belle in Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast film. Then, earlier today, Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey, The Guest) was announced as the actor playing the Prince/Beast. Well, Luke Evans has also joined in on the Beauty and the Beast bonanza, as he was cast as the film's main villain, Gaston. 

Evans recently starred in Dracula Untold and Fast and Furious 6, though I best know him for his role in The Hobbit: the Battle of the Five Armies. The 35-year-old actor is six feet tall and is in excellent shape. Though he might not be the size of Gaston in the animated film, dude is jacked.

Though the film hasn't been confirmed as a musical, Watson has said on her Facebook post that "It almost feels surreal that I'll get to dance to 'Be Our Guest' and sing 'Something There'. My six year old self is on the ceiling — heart bursting. Time to start some singing lessons." Seeing as how Evans got his start on the stage, performing in productions such as Rent and Miss Saigon, the casting makes more sense. 

I sure hope Evans eats five dozen eggs every morning to help him get large. Bill Condon is directing the film, while David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman are producing. Beauty and the Beast will begin filming later this year. While no release date is announced, it's safe to assume a late 2016, early 2017 release. 

The Wrap