Disney Plans Gaston Movie: Glen Powell in Talks for Lead Role
The project was announced as early as the end of 2025
Disney is working on a new live-action film that centers on one of the most famous characters from "Beauty and the Beast": Gaston. And as insider Jeff Sneider reports, none other than Glen Powell is in talks for the lead role.
However, it's unclear what stage the project is currently in. Although "Gaston" was announced late last year, very little has happened since then. And, of course, it's important to note that there has been no official confirmation from Disney regarding Powell's casting. At this point, it's merely a rumor. Dave Callaham, who has worked on films such as "The Expendables", "Godzilla", and "Wonder Woman 1984", has been hired to write the screenplay.
Gaston made his debut in 1992 in the animated classic "Beauty and the Beast". His arrogant, narcissistic, and malicious nature, in particular, made him one of the most beloved Disney villains of all time. In the 2017 live-action adaptation, he was portrayed by Luke Evans.
Glen Powell: His Most Famous Roles
Glen Powell is now one of the most sought-after actors of his generation. For a long time, the American was known primarily as a charming supporting actor, but thanks to several major box office hits, he has become a sought-after Hollywood star within just a few years. His combination of self-confidence, humor, and classic action-hero charisma makes him particularly versatile. His most notable roles now include "Top Gun: Maverick", "Anyone But You", "Twisters", and the remake of "The Running Man".
Chad Radwell in Scream Queens
Powell took a major step forward in his career with the horror-comedy series "Scream Queens". Between 2015 and 2016, he played Chad Radwell, an arrogant and privileged college student who considers himself irresistible. The role was a perfect fit for Powell's comedic talent and his knack for making self-absorbed characters come across as both annoying and entertaining. For many viewers, Chad Radwell was their first chance to see Powell in a major role.
Finnegan in Everybody Wants Some!!
Also in 2016, Powell worked with director Richard Linklater on "Everybody Wants Some!!". As the baseball player Finnegan, he plays a self-assured and laid-back college student who practically always has a witty remark at the ready. The role became an important step in his career. Here, Powell was able to showcase the blend of charisma, humor, and self-deprecating humor that would later become one of his trademarks.
Charlie Young in Set It Up
With the Netflix rom-com "Set It Up", Powell finally established himself as a leading man. As Charlie Young, he plays an overworked assistant who, together with Harper – played by Zoey Deutch – tries to set up his two bosses with each other. The chemistry between Powell and Deutch resonated with audiences and made the actor a sought-after face for romantic comedies.
Jake "Hangman" Seresin in Top Gun: Maverick
Powell finally made his big breakthrough as an international film star with "Top Gun: Maverick". As Lieutenant Jake "Hangman" Seresin, he goes up against Pete "Maverick" Mitchell's new generation of pilots. Hangman is arrogant, ambitious, and extremely self-assured. At the same time, the character possesses enough charm to avoid coming across as a typical one-dimensional rival. The film's enormous success made Powell famous worldwide and finally opened the doors to the biggest Hollywood productions for him.
Gary Johnson in Hit Man
In 2023, Powell once again demonstrated his versatility in "Hit Man". He plays Gary Johnson, a rather unassuming college professor who moonlights as a supposed contract killer for the police. Through his various identities, Powell is able to showcase different facets of his acting in a single role. The film combines action, comedy, and romance, making it a perfect fit for the range of roles he has played so far.
Ben in Anyone But You
With "Anyone But You" in 2023, Powell returned to the romantic comedy genre. Alongside Sydney Sweeney, he plays Ben, who initially can't stand Bea at all. To cover up an awkward situation, however, the two pretend to be a couple. The film became a major hit in the genre and cemented Powell's status as a modern rom-com star. His chemistry with Sweeney was one of the key factors in its success.
Tyler Owens in Twisters
In 2024, Powell took on another major blockbuster role in "Twisters". As tornado hunter Tyler Owens, he leads a group of storm chasers and finds himself in dangerous situations alongside Kate, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones. The role combines many of the qualities Powell has become known for: action, humor, charisma, and a self-assured lead character. "Twisters" thus confirmed that Powell is now fully capable of carrying a major feature film as the lead actor.
Ben in The Running Man
Powell took on one of his most physically demanding roles to date in "The Running Man". In Edgar Wright's remake of Stephen King's novel, he plays Ben Richards – the character originally portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987. The new version stays closer to King's original novel and tells the story of a desperate family man who participates in a deadly game show. Richards must flee from the so-called "hunters" while simultaneously fighting against a system that has publicly declared him an enemy.
For Powell, the role was a special challenge. Ben Richards is significantly angrier and more desperate than many of his previous characters and is on the run for practically the entire film. At the same time, the production demanded a great deal from the actor physically. Director Edgar Wright later praised Powell for his tremendous dedication during filming.
From Rising Star to Hollywood Star
Glen Powell's career has seen a remarkable rise. From smaller roles through "Scream Queens" and "Hidden Figures", he gradually worked his way up to major leading roles. With "Top Gun: Maverick", "Hit Man", "Anyone But You", "Twisters", and "The Running Man", he has now successfully tackled several genres. His versatility, in particular, is likely one of the reasons why Powell is now being considered for numerous major roles. Whether as an action hero, a rom-com favorite, or a self-absorbed character, the actor seems to have long since broken free from being typecast into a specific role.
