Beauty and the Beast: Gaston gets his own live-action film

The next Disney villain is getting his live-action movie. According to an exclusive report by industry magazine Deadline, Disney is currently working on a film about Gaston from "Beauty and the Beast".

The character made his debut in the original animated film in 1992. Gaston's arrogant, self-absorbed and malicious nature in particular made him one of Disney's most popular villains. Luke Evans took on the role in the 2017 live-action adaptation. It is currently not expected that he will return for the standalone live-action film.

Concrete details about the plot of "Gaston" are still pending. However, insiders assume that it will be a fresh and independent reinterpretation with an adventurous tone. There is also no director yet. However, it is already known who will write the screenplay: Dave Callaham, who has worked on films such as "The Expendables", "Godzilla" and "Wonder Woman 1984".

The most popular Disney villains: why villains are often the real stars

Disney films have been delighting young and old for decades with enchanting worlds, courageous heroines and emotional stories. But as important as the protagonists are, it's often the antagonists that stick in the memory. Disney villains are extravagant, terrifying, funny or charismatic and give the fairy tales the necessary suspense. Many of them have long since become cult figures. A look at the most popular Disney villains shows why evil is so fascinating in the Disney universe.

Maleficent: the dark fairy with wounded pride

Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty" is one of the most iconic Disney villains of all. Her dark appearance, green flames and cold sarcasm make her one of the most terrifying characters in Disney history. Out of offended pride, she curses the newborn Princess Aurora – an act that illustrates her enormous power.

It is particularly interesting that Maleficent is no longer portrayed as a pure villain in later interpretations. The live-action film of the same name shows her as a complex character with a wounded past, which further increased her popularity. She exemplifies the trend of giving Disney villains more depth.

Scar: The envious string-puller

Scar from "The Lion King" is the epitome of the scheming villain. Driven by envy and lust for power, he is not afraid to kill his own brother in order to usurp the throne. His sharp tongue, cynical humor and manipulative nature make him one of the most ruthless Disney villains. His musical performance in "Be Prepared" is particularly memorable and underlines his sinister personality. Scar is not a villain with supernatural powers – it is his human weaknesses such as jealousy and thirst for recognition that make him so believable and frightening.

Ursula: The seductive witch of the seas

Ursula from "The Little Mermaid" is one of the most dazzling antagonists in the Disney universe. As a sea witch, she lures her victims with seductive promises, but demands a high price in return. Her mixture of humor, malice and self-confidence makes her one of the most popular Disney villains. Both visually and in terms of character, Ursula clearly stands out from other villains. Her legendary song "Poor Souls in Distress" is one of the best-known Disney songs ever and contributes significantly to her cult status.

Gaston: the self-absorbed antagonist

Gaston from "Beauty and the Beast" is not a classic villain with magic or dark powers. Instead, he embodies arrogance, narcissism and toxic masculinity. He believes himself to be the perfect hero and cannot accept that Belle does not return his feelings. It is precisely these realistic characteristics that make Gaston so effective. He manipulates the villagers and uses their fears to take action against the beast. His arrogance and unshakeable self-image make him one of the most hated – and at the same time most interesting – Disney villains.

Jafar: lust for power in the guise of a wizard

Jafar from "Aladdin" is the classic power-hungry advisor who pursues his own plans in the shadow of the ruler. Using black magic, hypnosis and intrigue, he attempts to take control of Agrabah. His desire for absolute power ultimately drives him to his downfall. Visually, his dark robe and snake staff emphasize his menacing aura. Jafar exemplifies the Disney villain who combines intelligence and magic and knows no moral boundaries.

Cruella de Vil: style, madness and obsession

Cruella de Vil from "101 Dalmatians" is one of the most eccentric characters in Disney history. Her obsession with fashion and fur drives her to the cruel plan of using Dalmatian puppies for a coat. Her extroverted character and extravagant appearance make her unforgettable despite her cruelty. The live-action film "Cruella" gave the character a new depth and made her even more attractive to a modern audience. She shows that Disney villains can not only be evil, but also style-defining.

Why Disney villains are so popular

Disney villains are more than just antagonists. They represent human abysses, exaggerated character traits and social fears. They are often more charismatic, funnier or more interesting than the heroes themselves. Their songs, dialogs and designs shape entire generations. It is precisely because they have flaws and embody extremes that they are remembered. They make the stories exciting – and show that no real fairy tale can exist without evil.