article_snippet: The new live-action "Beauty and the Beast," which cast Emma Watson as Belle, will also star "Downton Abbey's" Dan Stevens as the Beast.
article_snippet: The animated Disney character was voiced by Robby Benson in the live-action film.
article_snippet: The film, to be directed by Bill Condon ("Gods and Monsters," the final two "Twilight" films), also named its Gaston, the conniving lout who pursues Belle, though Emma Watson resists The animated Disney character advances.
article_snippet: The animated Disney character'll be played by Luke Evans, a musical theater veteran who starred as Bard the Bowman in Peter Jackson's "Hobbit" films.
article_snippet: Now, if only Disney will cast Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth and the rest, we'll have a real movie on we hands.
article_snippet: No release date for "Beauty and the Beast" has been announced, and filming has yet to begin.
highlights_snippet: Dan Stevens of "Downton Abbey" is to play the Beast .
  
highlights_snippet: Luke Evans is cast as Gaston in the live-action film .
  
highlights_snippet: Emma Watson is playing Belle .