As we’ve been reporting since 2012, Emma Watson has officially been cast as Belle in Disney’s upcoming live-action version of Beauty & the Beast!

“I’m finally able to tell you that I will be playing Belle! It was such a big part of my growing up, it almost feels surreal that I’ll get to dance to ‘Be Out 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.”

The film was originally going to be done by Guillermo del Toro and Warner Bros. but now is in the hands of Disney. Bill Condon is directing the film and the script will be written by Stephen Chbosky, who directed Emma in The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

We will post more as the story develops!