Just when we thought Disney might be done with the live-action remakes, they pull us back in…
According to Deadline, not only is the House of Mouse developing a brand new live-action adaptation of a beloved classic, it’s kind of going back to the drawing board for a project that it already semi-produced.
The outlet reports that a spin-off is in the works about the classic Beauty and the Beast villain Gaston. Yes! And this is entirely different from the spin-off prequel series that was in development at Disney a few years that eventually got scrapped. One of the major differences is that the studio is planning for this to be a movie (a la Maleficent).
The outlet also reports Dave Callaham (Shang-Chi, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) is writing the script with Michelle Rejwan (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) producing. No director is attached at this time. Kate Herron (Loki) and Briony Redman (Doctor Who) penned a previous draft.
Aside from Maleficent, exploring the villain’s POV isn’t a completely radical idea for Disney. But it’s also not the most successful. Additionally, in recent years, Disney has built quite a massive fanbase with Serena Valentino’s “Villains” book series. Each story uniquely chronicles a classic Disney fairy tale from the perspective of a respective villain. Funny enough, just last year, Gaston’s book was published…
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While plot details are vague for this version, sources close to the outlet report say it will be a completely new and original version of the character. Luke Evans, who previously played the role in the live-action adaptation, will be recast with an entirely new actor. Additionally, the film will have more of a “swashbuckling” tone to it.
Now, the last part is particularly interesting considering that the studio could just make another Pirates of the Caribbean movie if they really wanted to make a swashbuckling adventures. However, Deadline states the studio was very excited about the upcoming idea.
After Moana and the still-gestating Prince Charming and Hercules films, this would technically be the next live-action adaptation on Disney’s calendar. That is, unless they have something else planned.
What do you think of this project? Sound off below!
SOURCE: Deadline
