Who Plays Belle in Beauty and the Beast 2017
The role of Belle in the 2017 live action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is played by Emma Watson. Watson is a British actress best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, and she was cast as Belle in the Disney live action remake. The film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and released as part of Disney's broader strategy to adapt its classic animated films into live action versions. The movie features a star-studded cast alongside Watson, with Dan Stevens as the Beast and Luke Evans as Gaston. For more on the production, see the official Disney site Disney Official Site.
Watson's casting was announced in January 2015, and she prepared for the role by working on vocal training and period dance. The film was directed by Bill Condon and adapted from the original 1991 animated film and the French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. Disney used a combination of live action filming and CGI to create the enchanted castle and the Beast. The movie premiered in London in February 2017 and was released theatrically in the United States shortly after. Box office reports show it became a major commercial success, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide according to industry tracking sites Box Office Mojo.
Emma Watson and the Belle Character
Emma Watson Background
Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson was born on April 15, 1990, in Paris, France, and raised in England. She rose to fame playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series starting in 2001. Watson later studied English Literature at Brown University and has been involved in fashion, activism, and modeling. Her casting as Belle marked a shift toward live action fairy tale adaptations by major studios.
Belle Character in the 2017 Film
In the 2017 film, Belle is portrayed as an intelligent, independent young woman who loves reading and dreams of adventure. The story follows her journey after her father Maurice is imprisoned by the Beast, and she agrees to take his place. The film retains key elements from the animated version, including the enchanted objects and the famous "Beauty and the Beast" ballroom scene. Watson's performance emphasized Belle's curiosity and courage, aligning with modern audience expectations for strong female leads.
Production and Release Details
The live action Beauty and the Beast was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Mandeville Films. Filming took place at Shepperton Studios in England, with sets designed to recreate a French village and castle. The film's visual effects were handled by multiple studios to create the Beast and the magical elements. The score includes new songs by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice, alongside the original music by Howard Ashman and Menken. The movie was rated PG by the MPAA for thematic elements and brief sensuality.
Disney released the film in standard and IMAX formats, with select scenes shot in IMAX. The marketing campaign highlighted Watson's role and the classic songs, targeting both longtime fans of the animated film and new audiences. The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise for the performances and visuals but some debate over certain creative choices. It became one of the highest grossing films of 2017 and added to Disney's portfolio of live action remakes. Industry analysis from Forbes noted its role in the broader trend of adapting animated classics Forbes.