Photo by Comediva.com

Oh, boy, is the rumor mill buzzing!  It seems like we just reported that Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame has accepted the role of Belle in Walt Disney’s future live-action production of Beauty and the Beast.  We now have unconfirmed news that Disney may have tagged someone to play her leading man, “Beast.”  According to The Tracking Board, Ryan Gosling is Disney’s “top choice” for the beastly role.  How many of you readers just smiled?  I know I did when I heard it for the first time!

Gosling is no stranger to Walt Disney Productions.  As a twelve-year-old, he held a two-year contract on the revival of Disney Channel’s The Mickey Mouse Club (MMC) from 1993 to 1995.  At that point in time, he was singing with the likes of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.  The Canadian born actor considered those the best two years of his life, the beginning of a career that has come to include not only the role of actor, but director, producer, screenwriter, businessman and musician.

Yes, you heard that correctly – musician!  As this film will be a musical and will require at least some singing for the role of “Beast,” it begs the question if Gosling is talented enough for the part.  First of all, Disney has time and time again proven its skill in casting.  Second of all, this is Ryan Gosling.  What can this man NOT do?  Though he may not have been considered one of the more talented individuals during his time on the MMC, Gosling does have a set of pipes that draws attention.  In 2007, he and a friend formed the band, Dead Man’s Bones, and he later demonstrated his singing ability in the movie, Blue Valentine, in which he co-stared with Michelle Williams.  Of course, not only does the man sing, but he can play several instruments and has quite a few dance moves, as well!

Beauty and the Beast is just another in a string of live-action productions created by Walt Disney Productions. Directed by Bill Condon and produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films, the latest of these features begins filming later this year with no release date in the books as of yet.  Also in the works is a version of Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book.  I am very curious as to what other animated favorites Disney will bring to life.  Are there any rumors swimming around about The Little Mermaid?

While we wait to hear if Ryan Gosling will accept the role of “Beast,” there are still several other characters to cast.  It will be exciting as the news unfolds regarding who will play Belle’s father, Maurice, the hopeless romantic candlestick, Lumiere, the precise and timely, Cogsworth, the motherly Mrs. Potts and her adorable son, Chip.  Of course, there is also the role of the notorious Gaston!  Stay tuned to Magical DIStractions for the breaking news!

Do you think Ryan Gosling is the perfect “Beast”?  What actors do you think would fit the above roles not yet cast?  Share your thoughts below!  I would love to hear who you think should be asked to join the cast of Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.