Actress Emma Watson (Harry Potter series) has officially been cast as the role of Belle in Disney’s live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Bill Condon (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn) will direct from a script written by Stephen Chbosky. Produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Production is expected to begin later this year.

Here’s Emma’s reaction to the news (via 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 on her Facebook. “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”

I think she’s perfect for the role. ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is one of my all time favorite Disney movie, so I hope they don’t disappoint me.

What do you guys think?