Emma Watson cast as Belle in 'Beauty and the Beast'

Emma Watson has been cast in Beauty and the Beast.
The 24-year-old actress will star as Belle in a live-action Disney adaptation of the Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont fairy tale. The studio announced the news Monday, and Watson later confirmed the role 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!" she wrote. "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."
Dreamgirls director and Chicago writer Bill Condon will helm the movie for Disney. The studio previously released an animated version of the story in 1991, and also has live-action versions of Cinderella, The Jungle Book and Dumbo in development.
Watson is best known for portraying Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series of films. She has since appeared in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring and Noah, and is scheduled for Regression with Ethan Hawke and Colonia with Daniel Bruhl.