Continuing the trend to turn classic animated movies into live-action films, Disney has now decided to do the same with 'Beauty and the Beast.' The latest news in this regard is that the studio has signed Emma Watson to play the role of the princess Belle in the film.

According to Latin Post on Monday, Disney confirmed in a blog post that Watson, famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the 'Harry Potter' series, will portray Belle in the upcoming live-action 'Beauty and the Beast' movie. It is expected that Watson will find the role quite easy because both Belle and Hermione share a common interest - a love of books.

Following the announcement, Watson too backed up the news on her Facebook page, saying that she is really thrilled to take part in the live-action remake of the classic story.

Watson's Facebook statement read, "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 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."

It has also been announced that while David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films will produce 'Beauty and the Beast' alongside Disney, Bill Condon will direct the upcoming movie.

Meanwhile Condon told Entertainment Weekly in October 2014 that he wishes to incorporate the original score of the 1991 movie's original score in the upcoming 'Beauty and the Beast' film. The website quoted the director as saying, "Technology, we hope, has finally caught up to that treatment of the story, so I think we're all kind of excited to bring that brilliant, amazing score and beautiful story into three dimensions."

On that note, the producers have yet to make any announcements regarding the official release of 'Beauty and the Beast'.