Disney has been making an absolute killing with their live-action adaptations of animated classics in recent years. This year, they have easily one of the most highly-anticipated movies of the year with the live-action adaptation ofBeauty and the Beast, which will featureHarry PotterstarEmma Watsonas Belle. As it turns out, this wasn’t the first time the studio tried to get her to play a classic Disney Princess.
In a recent interview withTotal Film,Emma Watsonrevealed that she turned down the role ofCinderellain Disney’s 2015 adaptation. She also revealed that she wasn’t holding out to play Belle, because at the time, she had no ideaBeauty and the Beastwas even happening. Here is what she had to say about it.
“I didn’t know they were going to make Beauty and the Beast at the time I turned downCinderella. But when they offered me Belle, I just felt the character resonated with me so much more than Cinderella did. She remains curious, compassionate and open-minded. And that’s the kind of woman I would want to embody as a role model, given the choice. In a strange way, [Belle] challenges the status quo of the place she lives in, and I found that really inspiring. And also, she manages to keep her integrity and have a completely independent point of view. She’s not easily swayed by other people’s perspective; not swayed by fearmongering or scapegoating.”
Given how successful theHarry Potterfranchise was, it isn’t likely thatEmma Watsonhas to take a job like this for money, but still. Turning down something likeCinderellais a big deal, especially considering the movie went on to make a lot of money, $543 million worldwide to be exact. Not only that, but the movie was very well-liked by both critics and fans.Emma Watsoncouldn’t have known that at the time, but it isDisneyand she must have known it was a big opportunity. It says a lot that she had the integrity to turn it down because she didn’t feel she was right for the role.
It looks like things are going to work out pretty well because, asEmma Watsonpoints out, she ultimately identifies better with the character ofBelle, which probably helped her in the performance. The early reactions to what we have seen of her as Belle have been largely positive, which is also good. Again, not that she took the role for the money, but all signs are pointing to this live-action version ofBeauty and the Beastbeing a massive success. The teaser trailer and the first full-length trailer for the movie broke the record for views in a 24-hour period, which indicates people are very excited for the movie. Also, if the success ofThe Jungle Book, which grossed 966 million worldwide, tells us anything,Beauty and the Beastcould easily wind up bestingCinderella’s impressive take.
In addition toEmma Watson, the cast for the movie includesDan Stevens,Luke Evans,Kevin Kline,Josh Gad,Ewan McGregor,Stanley Tucci,Audra McDonald,Ian McKellenandEmma Thompson. They also have an Oscar-winning director withBill Condonand an Oscar-winning composer withAlan Menken, who is returning to do the music for this new version, since he also composed the score for the original animated movie.Beauty and the Beastis set for release on March 10.
