Emma Watson has landed the lead role in the remake of the Disney classic "Beauty & The Beast."

The update will be directed by Guillermo del Toro, the man behind "Pan's Labyrinth" and is to be produced by Denise Di Novi, noted for early titles such as Tim Burton titles like"Edward Scissorhands."

The news of Emma's casting was revealed by the movie's producer Denise Di Novi during the press rounds for new film "Crazy Stupid Love" at the weekend.

The movie is likely to be Emma's first lead role after 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' - the last film in the series - which went into cinemas last week.

The 21-year-old star recently told how she is keen to play characters who promote strong role models to young girls.

She said: "I feel like young girls are told they have to be this kind of princess and be all this sweet stuff. It's all bull***t. I identify with more of being a warrior princess, so if I had to be a princess, I'd have to kick some ass first. That would have a lot of people terrified."

Although Emma's rep has yet to comment on the announcement, we're hoping it's true as it'll be the perfect opportunity for the actress to really make a name for herself outside the Harry Potter franchise.

She will next appear in the historical drama My Week with Marilyn later this year, and is also on board for the coming-of-age novel adaptation, The Perks of Being a Wallflower.