Los Angeles - UPI
Disney's forthcoming live-action revamp of Beauty and the Beast has already found its two leading men.
Former Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens is in talks to play the Beast/Prince and Luke Evans is said to be in negotiations to reprise the role of Gaston.
The film, which will feature British actress Emma Watson as Belle, will be directed by Bill Condon with a script by Evan Spiliotopoulos and rewritten by Steve Chbosky. Production is set to begin later in 2015.
Disney's live-action retailing of the children's classic is part of the company's effort to bring to life its most famous fairy tales. Disney has already launched reboots for Maleficent, satarring Angelina Jolie as the title character and Cinderella will be released March 13 featuring Lily James as the servant step-daughter who wins the heart of a prince.
Beauty and the Beast premiered in 1991. The film has grossed more than $375 million worldwide.