Harry Potter and Emma Watson fans, listen up! The gal who played Hermione Granger in all eight films adapting the books by J.K. Rowling is getting a brand new iconic role to her name… And it’s “A Tale As Old As Time” to boot!
In a report by The Wrap and announced by Ms. Watson herself, the twenty-four-year-old English actress and model has closed a deal to star in Disney’s live-action musical adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast“, which is an adaptation of the 1991 Disney animated feature that itself was adapted from the classic French fairy tale of the same name created by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont.
In the upcoming film version, Emma will play the lead role of Belle – a young woman living in a quite village who soon finds herself imprisoned in a castle that is ruled by a prince who was turned into a beast as punishment for his arrogance. Eventually as the story progresses, the relationship between the two becomes close as true love blossoms and is the key to breaking the spell and changing the Beast back to normal for good.
While no release date or other details on the cast have been given about the film thus far, the film will be directed by Bill Condon of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn fame and written by Stephen Chbosky.
Emma Watson expressed her excitement and enthusiasm on getting the part of Belle via her personal Facebook page:
As one of the most memorable stories and films of all time, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” remains a timeless classic that has continuously entertained generations new and old through the years. In fact, it is the first Disney animated film to be adapted into a Broadway Musical, which has enchanted and marveled viewers the world over thanks to numerous tours across the globe.
Speaking of which for Philippine audiences and readers, the broadway show is currently on tour in Manila being presented in The Cultural Center Philippines and promoted by Ovation Productions Manila! Those who want to have a magical time better go and catch this show, as it got extended and is only running until February 1st!