Live-Action Gaston Is So Accurate

I have been a literal life-long fan of Beauty and the Beast considering the fact that it came out in 1991, the year I was born. And also considering the fact that my mother indoctrinated me with the material while I was still most likely gurgling and spitting up on myself. So, when I tell you that the new still of Gaston from the live-action Beauty and the Beast in Entertainment Weekly totally nails it, I say it with the utmost and haughtiest of certainties. I am a Beauty and the Beast aficionado and snob, and I won't stand for anything less than adapted perfection. And, this my friends, is pretty damn close to it.

Let's get something straight. Gaston is most definitely a villain, and, yes, one that is quite easy to hate. But there's no denying he's a vital character to the story and that his very existence allows for the film to make an astute social commentary. It's just as important that they get this character right as it is for them to make sure Belle and the Beast are being done their due justice. The good news is that, if the image portrayed in the latest issue of EW is any indication, the filmmakers understand Gaston's iconic character and his undeniable connection to the overall narrative.

High above the rest of those he considers peasants rather than friends, Gaston, played by Luke Evans, stands tall with his chest puffed out and sword high in the air. He's asserting his dominance in the most cave man way possible... with a showing of "brute strength." While eye roll-worthy, it's also completely on brand. We're supposed to want to roll our eyes at Gaston. It's perhaps his most signature personality trait. In fact, this execution of this iteration of Gaston is so on point, it's hard to tell the difference between this live-action scene and the one crafted by animators 25 years ago.

Gaston's cockiness and arrogance oozes through the photo in a simple stance, which subtly speaks to the character we've come to know through an exaggerated cartoon character. While I don't expect the live version to have Gaston as straightforward as the cartoon about his ripe misogyny, lack of education, and prideful ignorance, I can already see that this adaptation is doing its best to give the same feel in a more realistic way. And, you know what? They've sold me on it.

Images: Walt Disney Pictures; Entertainment Weekly