Disney is once again revisiting the world of Beauty and the Beast, this time by turning the spotlight on its most swaggering antagonist. The studio is developing Gaston, a live-action feature film centred on the iconic villain from the 1991 animated classic, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The project is currently in its early stages. The plot details are being kept firmly under wraps. Dave Callaham is known for his work on major studio tentpoles. He has written the latest draft of the screenplay. This has followed earlier versions by Kate Herron and Briony Redman. Michelle Rejwan is set to join as producer. This project highlights Disney’s commitment to expanding its classic fairytale universes through fresh perspectives.
The studio has previously found success with villain-centric stories coming to life. Notable projects include Maleficent, led by Angelina Jolie, and Cruella, starring Emma Stone.
The story was originally adapted from a French fairytale. Beauty and the Beast became a landmark release for Disney upon its debut in 1991. The animated film went on to become the studio’s highest-grossing animated title at the time. The film also earned six Oscar nominations, won two Academy Awards, and made history as the first animated film ever nominated for Best Picture.
Gaston stood out as one of Disney’s most memorable villains. He is charismatic, narcissistic, and dangerously entitled.
Richard White voiced the character of Gaston in the animated version. Luke Evans brought the character to life in Disney’s 2017 live-action adaptation. The film also starred Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. That remake proved to be a massive commercial success, earning over $1.26 billion worldwide at the global box office.
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