Emma Watson: 'Beauty and the Beast' Role as Belle 'Feels Surreal'

Emma Watson has been cast to play Belle in Disney’s upcoming live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast,” an announcement that excited the actress' fans.

Watson announced the news herself on Facebook Monday.

"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 6-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"

Immediately, Twitter lit up and applauded Disney's decision, and the original Facebook post got 45,000 shares and more than 724,000 likes by the afternoon.

Emma Watson is going to be Belle. I cannot think of a more perfect person for the part!

— Sabina Trejo (@imWhoiWant2b) January 26, 2015

Emma Watson was born to play bookworms #Belle

— Camille (@caitlin_mullin) January 26, 2015

Soooo are there open auditions to play Beast opposite @EmWatson 😍?

— Rikesh Patel (@Rikesh_) January 26, 2015

Watson is best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” movies, and soon she’ll be able to add “princess” to her list of achievements.

"Beauty and the Beast" is just the latest Disney classic to get a modern makeover; a live-action version of “Cinderella” is scheduled to be out in March 2015. While a release date hasn’t been set for “Beauty and the Beast,” a Disney blog said production is expected to begin “later this year.”

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