Disney’s live-action remake of Cinderella isn’t even out yet, and the studio is already looking at other classics to adapt: Next up is Beauty and the Beast, to be written by Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and directed by Bill Condon (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Parts 1 and 2). And Emma Watson has just announced that she’ll be playing Belle!
The Harry Potter actress posted the news on her Facebook this morning:
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
Watson was previously attached to a different adaptation from Warner Bros, which was supposed to be directed by Guillermo del Toro. However, him dropping out last year, and her joining this project, makes it unclear if Warner Bros’ version will continue on. It’s not surprising that Watson joined up for Disney’s take, as Chbosky directed her in 2012’s Perks movie adaptation. Plus, Hermione and Belle both love books, so there you go.
While the live-action Cinderella looks to be following the animated film’s plot, there’s been no indication in the trailer that it will include its predecessor’s music. But Watson’s comment about singing lessons makes it clear that Beauty and the Beast will feature more than a few classic musical numbers.
