Though she’s taken care to branch out from the fantasy world of HARRY POTTER which made her name, Emma Watson is heading back to a land of magical kingdoms for the umpteenth screen version of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
This will be a bit different in that it appears to be a live action transfer of the animated classic, with Disney again producing. A pointless endeavour some might argue, but Watson is a perfect choice for such a high profile role as Belle. She gained respect around the world last year for her gender equality speech at the UN and at least it means we won’t be getting a bland, antiseptic actress belting out tracks like Something There.
Watson herself has taken to Facebook to express her excitement:
It was such a big part of my growing up, it almost feels surreal that I’ll get to dance to ‘Be Our Guest’… 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.
Wait a minute, singing lessons? That doesn’t sound good. Oh well, the movie starts shooting later in the year so Miss Watson has got some time.
There’s a decent director in Bill Condon (GODS AND MONSTERS) and the adaptation is by Evan Spiliotipoulos and Steve Chbosky. Mandeville Films are producing alongside the House of Mouse. No word as yet on who will be playing the infamous lion-faced Beast, though my enchanted mirror is suggesting Mark Ruffalo.
Source: Variety
