Emma Watson will star as Belle in the upcoming live-action Disney adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. But who will play the beast?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 24-year-old British actress is set to take the leading role in the upcoming Beauty and the Beast.
“Emma Watson is joining Disney’s live-action version of Beauty and the Beast as the lead character Belle,” they revealed. “The film will be directed by Bill Condon (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1 and Part 2) and is set to begin production in 2015. No release date has been announced.”
Of course, Disney is currently pushing forward with several live-action versions of their classic animated features – including the upcoming Cinderella. And Beauty and the Beast is the latest Disney tale to get the live-action treatment.
But what does Emma Watson think of landing such an iconic role?
“I’m finally able to tell you … that I will be playing Belle in Disney’s new live-action Beauty and the Beast,” she said via Facebook. “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.”
Since the film’s original release in 1991, Beauty and the Beast has grossed more than $425 million and wont two Academy Awards including Best Score and Best Song. But can the new live-action version live up to its predecessor?
Disney is currently in the process of revamping its animated feature films into a variety of live-action movies… and so far, has seen Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella get the live-action treatment.
Of course, Jon Favreau’s Jungle Book will likely be the next live-action classic to follow… and with Beauty and the Beast after that, you have to wonder – what’s next?
But will the live-action adaptation be as good as the animated film? For now, we’ll have to wait and see… let’s just hope Angela Lansbury gets a call.
What do you think of this new Beauty and the Beast? Will Emma Watson make a good Belle? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
