Disney is reportedly developing a new live-action film focused on one of its most iconic villains, but the announcement has been met with immediate criticism from fans online. The studio is said to be working on a spin-off centred on Gaston, the arrogant hunter from Beauty and the Beast.
Fan Fury Over Another Villain Origin Story
News of the project, first reported by Deadline, indicates the film is in the early stages of development, with Dave Callaham attached to write the script. Callaham's previous credits include co-writing Wonder Woman 1984 and Zombieland: Double Tap. However, the reaction on social media platform X has been largely negative.
Fans have expressed frustration, arguing that the character does not need his own movie and that Disney should focus on creating entirely new stories. One user wrote: 'Gaston doesn't need a movie! Make new stories Disney!' Another questioned the choice, asking: 'Out of all the villains out there is there anything particularly interesting about Gaston that warrants him to have a movie?'
Many sceptics predicted the film would follow a now-familiar Disney pattern. 'Let me guess, he's misunderstood and not actually a bad guy', quipped one. Another added: 'Is he misunderstood too? Cmon man, not all villains need a backstory, just let em be ssholes.'
From Animation to Live-Action: Gaston's History
The character of Gaston first appeared as the primary antagonist in Disney's animated 1991 classic Beauty and the Beast, voiced by Richard White. He is portrayed as a vain, boorish hunter obsessed with marrying the intelligent heroine Belle, voiced by Paige O'Hara, and becomes the fierce rival to the Beast, voiced by Robby Benson.
Welsh actor and singer Luke Evans later portrayed the role in Disney's hugely successful 2017 live-action remake, which starred Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. Following that film's box office triumph, there were discussions about a spin-off series featuring Evans, but those plans never materialised.
According to sources, this new live-action spin-off will recast the role, with a different actor stepping into Gaston's boots.
A Pattern of Remakes and Mixed Reactions
This Gaston project follows Disney's trend of re-examining classic villains, as seen in films like Maleficent and Cruella. However, the studio's recent live-action endeavours have not always been warmly received by its dedicated fanbase.
Just last month, the trailer for Disney's upcoming live-action remake of Moana also faced a wave of criticism online. Viewers branded the preview a 'CGI slop fest' and argued the shot-for-shot remake looked almost indistinguishable from the original 2016 animated film, but with inferior computer-generated imagery. Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his role as Maui in that project.
The dual announcements highlight a growing tension between Disney's strategy of mining its beloved animated back catalogue and a segment of audiences craving fresh, original narratives from the entertainment giant.
