Internet darling Emma Watson has been announced today as Belle for Disney's updated, live-action Beauty and the Beast. The actress who starred in the Harry Potter series and boasts an immaculate track record had previously been in consideration for the live-action Cinderella, which is due out in March with Lily James as the lead.
Watson took to Facebook to comment on the news:
I'm finally able to tell you... that I will be playing Belle in Disney's new live-action Beauty and the Beast! It was such a big part of my growing up, it almost feels surreal that I'll get to dance to 'Be Our Guest' and sing 'Something There'. My six year old self is on the ceiling - heart bursting. Time to start some singing lessons. I can't wait for you to see it. Emma xx
The film is set to go into production this year with Bill Condon, who directed The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1 and Part 2, at the helm. Last fall Condon told EW his version will feature songs from the 1991 animated film, as well as new songs from one of the same composers.
No release date has been set, but it'll probably come out after the live-action Jungle Book directed by John Favreau drops in April 2016.
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[via THR]
