,type=downsize)
Less than a week after the Cinderella Hollywoodpremiere, there's more big news in the fairy tale world.
In January it was announced that Emma Watson would be playing the role of Belle in the 2016 live-action movie of Beauty and the Beast. And now she is confirming today that Dan Stevens is taking on the lead role of the Beast.
Dan Stevens hinted he will play the lead role in the fairy tale favorite Photo: Getty Images
The 24-year-old actress Tweeted, "Could not be more happy that this man will be Beast!!! Welcome aboard @thatdanstevens #beautyandthebeast." And her new co-star also shared in the excitement posting "Beast Mode" onWednesday, seemingly confirming the casting. This comes after The HollywoodReporter announced on the same day that the British actor would be joining thecast.
Fans are excited for the handsome Brit to take on the role Photo: Getty Images
Emma tookto Facebook earlier in the year to confirm her role writing, "I'm finallyable to tell you… that I will beplaying Belle in Disney's new live-action Beauty and the Beast! "Itwas such a big part of my growing up, it almost feels surreal that I'll get todance to Be Our Guest and sing Something There. My six-year-old self is on the ceiling — heart bursting. Time to start some singing lessons. I can't wait for youto see it. Emma xx."
Emma Watson will play the role of Belle Photo: Getty Images
Dan, 32, isbest known for his role on Downton Abbey, but much to the dismay of fans, the actor leftthe show in 2012 to pursue other roles. He played a drug trafficker in WalkAmong The Tombstones, Sir Lancelot in Night at the Museum: Secret of theTomb, and a potential murderer in The Guest. He is currentlyappearing with Richard Gere in the upcoming film Oppenheimer Strategies.
Dan is best known for his role on Downton Abbey Photo: Getty Images
Also staring in the new Disney classic will be Welsh actor Luke Evans, who is in talks to play the villain Gaston, making it an entirely British cast. Thisseems to be a pattern for the company who chose British leads for thelive-action Cinderella including another Downton Abbey star, Lily James.