Emma Watson fuels rumors by welcoming Luke Evans to 'Beauty and the Beast' cast

Emma Watson took to Twitter Thursday to congratulate her rumored co-stars in Disney's upcoming live-action adaption of the classic film "Beauty and the Beast," fueling excitement that Luke Evans may play Gaston and Dan Stevens could be the Beast.

Watson's tweet gives a strong hint that the rumors may be true. Luke Evans is in talks to play the strapping antagonist Gaston, several sources reported. Evans is best known for his role as Bard in "The Hobbit" films.

That wasn't the only star who got an enthusiastic welcome from Watson, who was officially tapped to play the heroine Belle in January.

Dan Stevens is rumored to be playing The Beast. Stevens is best known for his role as Matthew Crawley in "Downtown Abbey."

Stevens himself tweeted his excitement to be joining the adaption.

Walt Disney Studios has yet to confirm the rumors, though Evans himself also sent out a tweet about them.

Do you think Evans would make a good Gaston? How about Stevens as the Beast? Let us know in the comments!