Emma Watson welcomes Dan Stevens & Luke Evans to the cast 'Beauty and the Beast'

Last night brought not one, but two important casting announcements for Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens will star as the Beast and Variety reported The Hobbit's Luke Evans will play Gaston. While fans were busy debating the pros and cons of the latest casting news, Emma Watson, who was previously announced as Belle, welcomed both actors to the film's cast.

Could not be more happy that this man will be Beast!!! Welcome aboard @thatdanstevens #beautyandthebeast pic.twitter.com/F1ghG3pvcU
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) March 5, 2015

Bonjour Gaston! ❤️ Welcome! #BeautyAndTheBeast pic.twitter.com/oerhe1ilGs
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) March 5, 2015

Production on Beauty and the Beast is set to begin later this year with Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Breaking Dawn) at the helm. No release date is set at this time.

EDIT: Dan Stevens and Luke Evans responded to Watson's tweet in a rather sweet way.

@EmWatson Grrrrrr

— Dan Stevens (@thatdanstevens) March 5, 2015

@EmWatson Why thank you Belle!! 💘 #beautyandthebeast pic.twitter.com/eCPFI4vuDB

— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) March 5, 2015

Source: @EmWatson