Stage & Screen Star Luke Evans in Talks to Play Gaston in Live-Action Beauty and the Beast

No one’s got a swell cleft in his chin like…Luke Evans! According to Variety, the West End alum and film star is closing in on a deal to play Gaston in Disney’s upcoming live-action Beauty and the Beast. As previously reported, the Bill Condon-helmed project will star Emma Watson as Belle. No additional casting or timeline has been announced.

Evans’ many West End credits include La Cava, Miss Saigon, Avenue Q, Taboo and Rent. He has also appeared on the London stage in Piaf and Small Change. His screen credits include the Hobbit series, Fast & Furious 6, The Raven and Clash of the Titans.

Another West End alum is reportedly in negotiations to appear in the Disney flick. Emma Thompson, who will headline the London Coliseum’s forthcoming Sweeney Todd opposite Byrn Terfel, is the frontrunner to take on the role of Mrs. Potts (she has a thing for playing Angela Lansbury types, apparently).