According to Variety, actor Luke Evans is in negotiations to play the boorishly handsome Gaston in Disney’s live-action musical ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Evans will be playing opposite Emma Watson (Harry Potter series), who is set to play Belle.

The 35-year old Welsh actor, is known for his roles in films such as The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug and The Battle of the Five Armies, Robin Hood, Dracula Untold, and playing the villain in Fast and Furious 6. Luke is no stranger to musicals, he’s starred in Rent, Avenue Q, Miss Saigon, and Piaf.

Directed by Bill Condon. Produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films. Script written by Evan Spiliotopoulos and rewritten by Steve Chbosky.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ to hit theaters in 2015.