The Original Belle Approves of Emma Watson for “Beauty and the Beast”

This is sweet! As we all know, Emma Watson will be taking on the iconic role of Belle in Disney’s upcoming live-action take on Beauty and the Beast. Now, she’s even got the seal of approval from the original Belle! Actress Paige O’Hara, who lent her voice to the character for the 1991 animated film, said,

If I were producing the film, I would have cast her. I think she’s absolutely perfect for the role.

O’Hara, who was on hand to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary, added that she thinks Emma has

the outward beauty, but she’s also got an inward beauty about her, and an old soul. Through mutual people we’ve sent messages, and I just basically was wishing her all the best and to have a wonderful time.

She also went on to reveal what she was most looking forward to seeing in the new film,

It was in the snow scene of ‘Something There’ that we made a specific choice that it hits Belle: She’s really falling in love with [the Beast], I want to see Emma’s moment when she realizes she’s fallen in love. That will be so exciting.

Beauty and the Beast, which also stars fellow Potter alumna Emma Thompson (Professor Sybill Trelawney) as Mrs. Potts, and a whole host of other big names, is set to hit theaters March 17, 2017. Are you excited to see Emma’s take on Belle? Let us know your thoughts!