New Live-Action Beauty and the Beast Is in the Works — Here’s What We Know So Far
Disney is reviving the tale as old as time, with a new live-action Beauty and the Beast now in development—returning to the 1991 classic that made Oscar history as the first animated Best Picture nominee. First details have been revealed on the studio’s next enchanted epic.
Disney is back in the Beauty and the Beast sandbox, and this time they want to put the spotlight on Gaston. Yes, the guy who eats five dozen eggs might be getting his own live-action movie. Let’s break down what’s actually happening, because the early details are a little all over the place.
So, what is Disney making?
According to Deadline, Disney is developing a new live-action Beauty and the Beast film centered on Gaston. It’s being set up as part of the studio’s ongoing live-action Beauty and the Beast push that started with the massive 2017 remake.
Who’s making it?
Dave Callaham, whose credits include Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, is writing the script. A previous draft came from Kate Herron and Briony Redman. Michelle Rejwan is producing. There’s no director attached yet.
Who’s playing Gaston?
This is where the fog rolls in. Officially, it’s unclear whether Luke Evans will return as Gaston or if Disney will recast. Deadline’s sources suggest a new actor will take over the role, but nothing is locked in publicly. Classic development haze.
"While plot details are vague for this version, sources say it will be a completely new and original version with a new actor playing the part with the film having 'swashbuckling' tones to it. Insiders say the studio is very high on the idea."
Release timing?
None. No date yet.
A quick refresher on the Beauty and the Beast franchise
- 1991: Disney releases the animated Beauty and the Beast, adapted from a French fairy tale. It becomes the first animated film ever nominated for Best Picture.
- 1997: Direct-to-video sequel Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.
- 1998: Another direct-to-video follow-up, Belle’s Magical World.
- 1999: Belle’s Tales of Friendship, an alternate continuity anthology-style release.
- 2017: Bill Condon’s live-action remake hits theaters, starring Emma Watson (Belle), Dan Stevens (the Beast), and Luke Evans (Gaston). It earns more than $1.2 billion worldwide.
- Post-2017: There were talks of a live-action TV series, but that never got off the ground.
The read between the lines
Disney clearly wants to keep this brand rolling, and a Gaston-led story with a 'swashbuckling' vibe makes sense if they’re aiming for something pulpy and adventurous rather than a straight retread. The recast chatter versus the 'maybe Evans returns' question is a little messy, but that happens, especially early on. For now: new movie, Gaston front and center, fresh script in the works, and Disney seems very into it. When it actually lands on a calendar is anyone’s guess.