Dan Stevens to Star Opposite Emma Watson in Disney's Live-Action BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Movie

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dan Stevens has nabbed the male lead in Disney's upcoming live-action, musical interpretation of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. He will play 'The Beast/Prince' opposite Emma Watson as 'Belle.'

Stevens' casting comes on the heels of fellow stage veteran Luke Evans joining the project as 'Gaston'.

As previously reported, Emma Thompson is also currently in talks to play 'Mrs. Potts,' in the film. No other casting has been announced at this time.

Bill Condon will direct, with by Mandeville Films' David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman producing. Production on BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is anticipated to begin later this year.

Stevens, who made his Broadway debut in THE HEIRESS in 2012 opposite Jessica Chastain, last starred on the big screen in THE GUEST and THE FIFTH ESTATE and will soon be seen in NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB and A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES. He is well known for playing 'Matthew Crawley' in the cult UK series DOWNTON ABBEY.

Evans is best known on screen for his roles in THE HOBBIT Trilogy, FAST & THE FURIOUS 6, and CLASH OF THE TITANS. He's also appeared in THE RAVEN, opposite John Cusack and THE THREE MUSKETEERS. On stage, Evans appeared in the West End, performing in such shows as RENT, AVENUE Q, PIAF and MISS SAIGON.

Watson is best known for her role of 'Hermione Granger' in the HARRY POTTER film series; she was cast as Hermione at the age of nine, having previously acted only in school plays. She starred in all eight Harry Potter films, alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint. Watson's work on the Harry Potter series has earned her several awards. In 2007, Watson announced her involvement in THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX and the television adaptation of the novel BALLET SHOES, which was broadcast on 26 December 2007. In 2012, she starred in Stephen Chbosky's film adaptation of THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER. The following year, she appeared in Sofia Coppola's THE BLING RING. Watson played Ila in Darren Aronofsky's biblical epic NOAH last year.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride