14 DAY TRIAL // “Maleficent,” the live-action movie based on the “Sleeping Beauty” villain, starring Angelina Jolie, was one of last year’s biggest hits, so naturally the studio wants to capitalize on this newfound recipe for box office success.
Since live-action films and big names have proved a winning combination, for its next project, the studio has pulled all the stops to secure a Hollywood A-lister with a fanbase to match: Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will go into production this year, and Emma Watson is on board to play Belle.
Confirmation of the casting comes from the “Harry Potter” star herself, writing on her Facebook. “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 writes.
As of now, Emma is the only actor attached to the film. We do know that Bill Condon, who directed the critically panned “Showgirls” and most recently the final two installments in “The Twilight Saga,” “Breaking Dawn” Part 1 and Part 2, is at the helm.
From “Twilight,” we know that Condon can create beautiful looking movies, so there’s that for a guarantee that “Beauty and the Beast” will be a treat for the eyes.
Production is set to begin later this year, but an estimated release date is yet to be announced. Production on “Maleficent,” for instance, was particularly slow because the studio didn’t want to cut corners in delivering a satisfying, complete experience.