Stevens would play the cursed prince opposite the previously announced Emma Watson as Belle. Stevens casting seems likely, with Watson and Stevens offering the following tweets:
Could not be more happy that this man will be Beast!!! Welcome aboard
@thatdanstevens
#beautyandthebeast
pic.twitter.com/F1ghG3pvcU
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson)
March 5, 2015
pic.twitter.com/GKiJKyE5H9 — Dan Stevens (@thatdanstevens)
March 5, 2015
It has also been reported that Luke Evans ("The Hobbit," "Dracula: Untiold") has been cast as Gaston.
Bonjour Gaston! ❤️ Welcome!
#BeautyAndTheBeast
pic.twitter.com/oerhe1ilGs
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson)
March 5, 2015
Disney’s live-action remake of "Sleeping Beauty" ("Maleficent") was a hit in 2014, and its new "Cinderella" opens in movie theatres March 13.
Previous reports also state that Emma Thompson is in discussions to take on the role of Mrs. Potts.
Stevens was trained in theatre in London, notably being chosen by director Peter Hall to play Orlando in a 2004 touring As You Like It when he was 22. Since his Broadway appearance, Stevens, starred in the film “The Guest” and had a supporting in roles “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.”
The 1991 animated film of "Beauty and the Beast" won Academy Awards for Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Score. The 1994 Broadway stage adaptation was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning for Costume Design (Ann Hould-Ward).
Beauty and the Beast features music by Alan Menken, with lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.
