Luke Evans’ Beastly role

Luke Evans is reportedly in line for the role of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.

It was announced last month that Emma Watson would be taking on the role of Belle in the live action remake of the Disney classic.

And now The Hobbit actor Luke is said to be in final talks to take on the part of the villainous Gaston, according to Variety.

In the tale, Gaston sets his sights on Belle, who rebuffs his advances before falling for the Beast in a castle she becomes imprisoned in to save her father.

When Gaston finds out where Belle’s affections truly lie, he makes it his mission to gather a group of villagers to kill the Beast.

Luke, 35, is no stranger to musicals, having previously starred in West End productions including Rent and Miss Saigon.

The film will be helmed by Bill Condon, with the script written by Evan Spiliotopoulos.

Emma confirmed her involvement in the picture with a Facebook message to fans.

“I’m finally able to tell you… that I will be playing Belle in Disney’s new live-action Beauty and the Beast! (sic),” she gushed in the post. “It was such a big part of my growing up, 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. I can’t wait for you to see it. Emma xx”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens will be playing the role of the Beast/the Prince in this production.