Disney Starts Live-Action Gaston Movie Development

Disney has begun early development on a live-action movie centered on Gaston, the villainous huntsman from its classic Beauty and the Beast franchise, according to industry reports. The project marks another exploration of a Disney antagonist as a lead character, following successful films like Maleficent and Cruella.

The film will feature an original take on Gaston, distinct from previous portrayals. Screenwriter Dave Callaham, known for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, is penning the latest draft. A prior version was written by Kate Herron and Briony Redman. Michelle Rejwan, a producer on Star Wars projects including The Rise of Skywalker, is attached to oversee production. No director has been announced, and casting details remain unavailable, though the studio plans to use a new actor for the role rather than Luke Evans, who played Gaston in the 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast remake.

Early indications suggest the movie will adopt a swashbuckling tone, evoking adventure and action elements similar to Pirates of the Caribbean. Specific plot details have not been disclosed, but the story is expected to...