It’s been a long time in the making but now it’s official: Emma Watson will play ‘Belle’ in the live-action fairy tale-inspired film, Beauty and the Beast. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn director Bill Condon is attached to direct and, according to Disney’s announcement, filming will begin sometime later this year.
David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman are on board as producers.
Watson was first involved in Beauty and the Beast talks way back in early 2012 when she was apparently ready to play Belle in a Beauty and the Beast production setup at Warner Bros Pictures. That film had Guillermo del Toro set to direct. Unfortunately, del Toro exited the Warner Bros version, but Watson isn’t going to miss out on a chance to play Belle after all after being signed to the Disney production.
Watson shared the news on Facebook:
“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”
