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Idris Elba reveals he failed to get a part in one of the year’s biggest films

The much sought after role went to Welsh actor Luke Evans

Jacob Stolworthy
Saturday 30 September 2017 14:52 BST
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Elba suggested that at his age, you’ve covered every experience possible
Elba suggested that at his age, you’ve covered every experience possible (Getty)

Idris Elba has revealed he failed to win a role in live-action Disney remake Beauty and the Beast, one of the year's biggest films.

The actor, whose big-screen credits include Pacific Rim and Stephen King adaptation The Dark Tower, told PEOPLE he was in line to play the character Gaston, a role which eventually went to Luke Evans.

“I honestly love musicals,“ the Luther star said. ”I auditioned for Beauty and the Beast. I really did, for Gaston.

Beauty And The Beast Clip - Gaston

“I called and said, ‘Listen, I want in!’ So somewhere they have a tape of me singing.”

The actor, who claims the location of the audition tape is unknown, stated there he bears no hard feelings - when asked if he resented the Welsh actor for winning the role, he stated: “No, only a little bit. No! I love you Luke, you know that,” Elba jokes.

Elba will next be seen alongside Kate Winslet in The Mountain Between Us as well as Molly's Game, the directorial debut of The Social Network writer Aaron Sorkin.

Upon its release in March, Beauty and the Beast - which starred Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Ewan McGregor - became the highest-grossing musical of all time in the UK.

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