Hugh Jackmanplayed the narcissistic Gaston in the Broadway play version ofBeauty and the Beast, whileLuke Evanswill take over the role in Disney’s live-action film from directorBill Condon(The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn). The two found themselves on an episode ofJonathan Ross’ British talkshow where they had a pissing match…I mean, sing-off to determine who’s the better Gaston. For Mouse House nuts getting pumped for the film, which starsEmma Watsonas Belle, this is a taste of what Evans is bringing to the role.
The song was “Gaston,” in which a crowd of drunken townspeople sing the praises of the burly, brawny, and self-obsessed macho villain of this tale. Their backup chorus included Jackman’sEddie the Eagleco-starTaron Egerton, who has some pipes of his own. I don’t mean to declare a winner or anything, but…is it too late to recast the movie? Evans isn’t bad by any means. In fact, I’m actually quite impressed with his baritone register, but Jackman’s had years and years of training and performing on Broadway, and it shows.
Watch them face off below.
Joining Watson and Evans in the film areThe GuestheartthrobDan Stevensas Beast,Ewan McGregoras Lumiere,Gugu Mbatha-Raw(Concussion) as Plumette,Stanley Tuccias Cadenza,Emma Thompsonas Mrs. Potts,Ian McKellenas Cogsworth,Josh Gad(Frozen) as Le Fou,Kevin Klineas Maurice, and Broadway legendAudra McDonaldas Garderobe.Evan SpiliotopoulosandStephen Chboskypenned the screenplay. After production commenced last year, the cast teased the film withbehind-the-scenes imagesandenticing talk about the musical numbers, but this is our best preview yet.
Beauty and the Beastis scheduled for theaters on July 14, 2025.
