Emma Watson Will Play Belle in Live-Action 'Beauty and the Beast' Movie

Emma Watson has been widely regarded as a great beauty...but now it's going to be her official title.

The "Harry Potter" actress has been cast in Disney's upcoming "Beauty and the Beast" adaptation, as announced by Watson herself on 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!" Watson wrote. "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"

This will indeed be Watson's first musical role on screen, unless you count her brief appearance in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" as part of her role in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," or her quick lullaby sung in "Noah."

"Beauty and the Beast" continues a trend for Disney in bringing its formerly animated properties to life in visually stunning live-action adaptations. "Maleficent" and "Cinderella" have been the latest offerings, and Disney is currently working on a "Jungle Book" adaptation as well.

The film is set to start filming next year, and will be directed by "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn" director Bill Condon. For now, Watson will be focusing on her newly launched campaign for gender equality in her role as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.