Harry Potter star Emma Watson has been cast as Belle in a live-action version of Beauty and the Beast.
This will be the third live-action film to be released by Disney in the couple of years – with Maleficent out last year and Cinderella due to hit UK cinemas this spring.
Confirming the news on her Facebook page, the 24-year-old, wrote: "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"
According to a Disney press release, it will begin filming later this year and Bill Condon of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn is attached to direct.
