Emma Watson to play Belle

LOS ANGELES — Emma Watson will star in Disney’s live-action version of Beauty And The Beast as the lead character Belle.

Disney made the announcement on Monday, saying that production will begin later this year. No release date has been set.

The British actress also announced 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!” she wrote. “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.”

Fans are obviously pleased with the news. At press time her Facebook post had over one million “Likes” and more than 33,000 comments, with more than 57,000 people sharing the news.

The film will be directed by Bill Condon who helmed The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. The original Disney animated film has grossed more than US$145 million (S$195 million) in North America alone since its release in 1991. REUTERS