Emma Watson to Star in Beauty and the Beast

Emma Watson will play Belle in Disney's live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. The actress confirmed the news on her Facebook page:

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

Interestingly enough, Ms. Watson was originally set to take the lead in Guillermo del Toro's competing adaptation of the fairy tale, Beauty for Warner Bros. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn director Bill Condon is directing Disney's Beauty and the Beast adaptation, which will hopefully fare better with critics than their live action Sleeping Beauty effort, Maleficent. Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) is writing.

The Wrap first reported the news.