The 'Notebook' star, who made his directing debut with the upcoming 'Lost River', has been offered the role opposite Emma Watson, reported Ace Showbiz quoting Tracking Board.
Watson has already confirmed her role as beauty in the Disney movie.
"I will be playing Belle in Disney's new live-action Beauty and the Beast!" she told her fans on Facebook in January.
"It almost feels surreal that I'll get to dance to 'Be Our Guest' and sing 'Something There'," she continued, "Time to start some singing lessons. I can't wait for you to see it."