Disney is on a roll with their live action versions of classic fairy tales they previously animated in some form or another. Films like ALICE IN WONDERLAND, MALIFICENT and INTO THE WOODS have done well, and they’re about to unleash a new CINDERELLA in theaters. But their newest effort in the works is a re-imagining of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Their leading lady on this one will be none other than HARRY POTTER star Emma Watson, who has officially been cast as “Belle” in the film. Bill Condon (DREAMGIRLS) will direct with a script by Stephen Chbosky (who worked with Watson on THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER) and Evan Spilotopoulos, no other casting info is available at this time. Watson most recently appeared in THE BLING RING and NOAH, but this could be the movie that solidifies her as a leading lady in Hollywood. How do you feel about this casting news? Tell us in the comments!
Actress Emma Watson has been cast as Belle in Disney’s upcoming live-action interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. The film is directed by Bill Condon and produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Production is anticipated to begin later this year.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
