Be our guest, be our guest, see Disney put Emma Watson to the test. Can the Harry Potter actor successfully capture one of the mouse house's most beloved princesses in a live action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast?
Disney has unveiled the first teaser trailer for its upcoming feature starring Watson as Belle. Based on its classic 1991 animation and the 1740 French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, the film stars Watson, alongside Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens as the Beast and Fast & Furious actor Luke Evans as Gaston.
Watch below:
Although light on any actual footage of the characters—Watson's Belle is seen for but a fleeting second—the teaser does offer a glimpse at the lavish scope of the Disney film: the Beast's isolated but luxurious mansion is decorated with ornate candles, a spiral staircase and fine artwork.
Seemingly taking a page out of J.J. Abrams' book with the monster in Cloverfield , Disney has held back on showing the Beast up close just yet. Whether that strategy will pay off remains to be seen. Internet fans are notoriously difficult to please, especially when it comes to childhood favorites; the Power Rangers reboot, for example, drew mixed response for its costumes.
Beauty and the Beast follows in the footsteps of 2015's Cinderella as the latest fairy tale animation to get a live action update. The studio has also enjoyed similar success with The Jungle Book and Alice in Wonderland—a sequel to which is in theaters at the end of May.
As well as Beauty , Disney's continued foray down memory lane will soon produce a Mary Poppins sequel starring Emily Blunt and a live action film based on 101 Dalmatians villain Cruella de Vil with Emma Stone.
Beauty and the Beast is in theaters in March 2017.
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