Get ready, Disney fans! A live-action spinoff centered around the infamous Gaston from Beauty and the Beast is in the works! The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Disney is diving back into the beloved fairytale universe, this time focusing on the charismatic yet undeniably villainous character.
The project is still in its early stages, with Dave Callaham currently penning the latest draft. Before him, Kate Herron and Briony Redman had also contributed to the script. Michelle Rejwan is on board as producer.
The original Beauty and the Beast, a sensation upon its 1991 release, was a landmark achievement for Disney. It was the highest-grossing animated film at the time and even earned a historic Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. The story, adapted from a French fairy tale, captivated audiences with its tale of Belle, who sacrifices her freedom to save her father and ends up imprisoned by a cursed prince. The prince, transformed into a beast, must earn true love to break the spell before time runs out.
But here's where it gets controversial... the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast in 2017, starring Emma Watson as Belle and Luke Evans as Gaston, was a massive success, grossing over $1.26 billion worldwide. This success has fueled Disney's continued interest in reimagining its classic animated films in live-action form.
The studio has a proven track record of success with villain-focused spinoffs. Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie, and Cruella, starring Emma Stone, both offered fresh perspectives on iconic antagonists.
And this is the part most people miss... Disney's recent moves include a live-action Tangled remake back in active development, as reported by THR. The studio also enjoyed a massive hit with the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, while Mufasa: The Lion King also performed well.
What do you think about this new Gaston-centric project? Do you think it's a good idea to explore the villain's backstory, or should some stories remain untouched? Share your thoughts in the comments!
