It's been a rumor for months now, but finally Emma Watson has confirmed she'll play Belle in Disney's live action Beauty and the Beast. I've said before that I think Watson would be the perfect choice for that role because Hermione and Belle are so similar, and we already saw her nail one of those roles. But who else should join Watson for the Disney classic? No other actors have been announced yet, so I can dream cast the Beauty and the Beast remake in the meantime. Who knows? Maybe Disney will listen to me.
Watson is beyond thrilled to take on the classic feminist Disney princess. In a lengthy Facebook post, the actress announced the role in the cutest way.
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.
I can't wait either, so much so that I'm not even waiting for Disney to confirm the other roles. Here's who I think should take the screen alongside Watson.
Gaston — Henry Cavill
The Batman vs. Superman actor knows what it's like to have super powers (or to act like he does), so he should have no problem tackling the pompous Gaston. Plus, he has the chin for it.
The Beast — Jason Momoa
Look at the Beast. Then look at Momoa. Then back to the Beast. Then back to Momoa. Sadly the Beast is not Momoa, but he could be if we convince Disney that this is an acting matchup made in heaven.
LeFou — Adam Pally
The Mindy Project actor is perfect to play the slightly dim-witted minion of Gaston's. Sorry Pally, I'm sure you're really smart in real life. But his goofy Peter Prentice character is so well-acted that I think Pally is perfect for the sidekick.
Maurice — Danny DeVito
Belle's father is basically the cartoon version of DeVito. Plus the actor is very good at playing kooky roles.
Lumière — Idris Elba
He's got all the swagger necessary to play the sassy talking candle. Also, he can do a wicked French accent (see 3:25).
Cogsworth — Jean Reno
You may know the Moroccan-born actor as Steve Martin's sidekick in The Pink Panther. But, with his stunning French accent, he'd also be perfect to play Cogsworth.
Mrs. Potts — Julie Walters
Mrs. Weasley and Hermione, together again.
Chip Potts — Jenny Slate
Sure, Chip is a boy, but, after learning that Jenny Slate is the voice of Marcel the Shell, I want her to voice everything forever. She'd take Chip and make him all her own — and it would be amazing.
The Wardrobe — Julie Andrews
The world needs more singing Julie Andrews, that's all.
Will Disney listen and cast any of these people? I sure hope so. But even if the cast is entirely different, we know Emma Watson is for sure going to be Belle and that's already more than any Disney fan can ask for.
Images: Disney (10); Getty Images (6); Fox
