Emma Watson in "Beauty & the Beast"

Rico · July 19, 2011, 05:06:06 PM

I like this news a lot!

There's no time like the present to think about your future. Er, right?

Which is why it makes perfect sense to us that Emma Watson is striking while the iron is scaldingly hot, signing on for her first post-Hermione lead role (so far, she's only added supporting parts to her résumé) just as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 fulfills its destiny and becomes the most record-breaking record-breaker since records began (or something like that).

So, what's the role that tempted Emma out of her studies and back on the big screen?

Beauty and the Beast, that's what. And not just any old retelling. A retelling helmed by Guillermo del Toro. So you know it's going to be dark and moody and make Disney's animated classic look like, well, a Disney film.

The producer of the flick, Denise Di Novi, let slip the casting new while making the press rounds for her other new film, Crazy, Stupid, Love, this weekend. Watson's rep, however, had no comment.

As this is the first word we're hearing on the film, details are naturally scarce with no word yet on a possible beastly leading man for Emma, a production timeline or a possible release date. However, it might be some time.

Del Toro's films tend to be heavy on post-production, and he's only now about to begin on the next project he's got lined up, Pacific Rim.

Which means that Watson's first post-Potter lead may also be her first post-grad one.

Read more: http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b253037_emma_watson_conjures_up_beauty_of.html#ixzz1SbDaS2IG

Ktrek · July 20, 2011, 06:32:11 AM

I'm kind of surprised actually that she could land a lead role so soon. Her acting in HP is at best adequate and at time horrendous. The series carried her and not she the series that's for sure! She needs more experience in my opinion.

Kevin

billybob476 · July 20, 2011, 06:39:01 AM

Quote from: Ktrek on July 20, 2011, 06:32:11 AM
I'm kind of surprised actually that she could land a lead role so soon. Her acting in HP is at best adequate and at time horrendous. The series carried her and not she the series that's for sure! She needs more experience in my opinion.

Kevin

Dunno, I've enjoyed her in the Potter movies. Frankly, she's timing it right. With the seires ending her name is riding high. If anything now is the time she'd be able to land something like this. If she took a few years without doing anything she'd be "that girl that was in Harry Potter", right now she's "THAT GIRL WHO WAS IN HARRY POTTER!!"

Bromptonboy · July 20, 2011, 06:40:20 AM

I am glad she is doing a form of Fantasy. Sometimes actors coming off a high like HP try to do something radically different to avoid typecasting. She is smart enough to milk this one out.

Bryancd · July 20, 2011, 06:41:34 AM

Having only seen he first few HP films, I can't opine about her current talent or lack thereof but I can very easily see a studio being anxious to hire her this soon coming off the success of the final film and the goodwill towards the series as a whole. As such, she is very much a part of that and is there for...BANKABLE.

QuadShot · July 20, 2011, 07:49:42 AM

Quote from: Ktrek on July 20, 2011, 06:32:11 AM
I'm kind of surprised actually that she could land a lead role so soon. Her acting in HP is at best adequate and at time horrendous. The series carried her and not she the series that's for sure! She needs more experience in my opinion.

Kevin

Wow. Well, how about the Shat? Couldn't exacltly call him a great actor now can we? Yet, he seemed to do ok in getting roles. So, you say she needs more experience? How is she supposed to obtain said experience unless someone offers her roles? I think she'll be great in Beauty and the Beast. Of course, that's just MY opinion...

Rico · July 20, 2011, 08:42:50 AM

I disagree about her ability to act Kevin. She pulled off many fine moments over this series of films in my opinion. Especially in the last three films. I'd easily put her up against any other actress in her age range and what she can do. I've seen many actresses that are much, much worse. On top of all that she is very intelligent and seems to have a good head on her shoulders. I see her going very far in the business, if she decides to continue.

Bryancd · July 20, 2011, 08:47:45 AM

Quote from: QuadShot on July 20, 2011, 07:49:42 AM
Wow. Well, how about the Shat? Couldn't exacltly call him a great actor now can we?

I would, actually, he has a unique style all his own and I have seen him be funny, serious, emotional, ect. to great effect. I tear up EVERY time I see Spock's funeral scene thanks to Shats performance. And I agree, Rico, that you look at some of the leading young ladies in recent big movies like Transformers and I for one am very underwhelmed by the acting chops. Emma presents as a more serious actor.

QuadShot · July 20, 2011, 08:51:35 AM

Bryan...really? Now, I'm not slamming the Shat, I love the guy and think he's a hoot. But as far as acting goes, can't really call him a Shakespearian type! :)

Rico · July 20, 2011, 08:51:57 AM

Very much agreed Bryan. And did you see Blake Lively in "Green Lantern?" OMG! She's terrible! Movie wasn't too bad, but she was totally unconvincing.

Bryancd · July 20, 2011, 09:11:47 AM

Quote from: QuadShot on July 20, 2011, 08:51:35 AM
Bryan...really? Now, I'm not slamming the Shat, I love the guy and think he's a hoot. But as far as acting goes, can't really call him a Shakespearean type! :)

But should that be the only matrix by which we place value on a persons acting? I certainly don't. I think serious "Shakesperian" actors are great to watch. And then there are guys who are funny and charming like a Steve Martin or even over the top like a Jim Carrey who are not "Shakeperian" but fun actors to watch. Or an action/adventure star like a Bruce Willis, loved him back in the day as an actor. And yes, the Shat, I don't even watch Boston Legal but he has received a tremendous amount of accolades for his acting work on that series. You don't seem to be looking at the man in the totality, Al, and just the common stereotype. I think you are way off base on this one.

Ktrek · July 20, 2011, 09:13:03 AM

When I said she needs more experience I was referring to more supportive role work. I just don't see her as leading star material yet. Not that she can't be or won't be. I just think taking on a major lead role is a mistake both by the studio and her. If the movie flops her career will likely be over for any other lead roles. If she were to gain more experience until the right role came along I think it would be better. The other thing is I just don't see her being able to effectively pull of the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. I think Emmy Rossum would be a better choice.

Kevin

QuadShot · July 20, 2011, 09:19:45 AM

Quote from: Bryancd on July 20, 2011, 09:11:47 AM
Quote from: QuadShot on July 20, 2011, 08:51:35 AM
Bryan...really? Now, I'm not slamming the Shat, I love the guy and think he's a hoot. But as far as acting goes, can't really call him a Shakespearean type! :)

But should that be the only matrix by which we place value on a persons acting? I certainly don't. I think serious "Shakesperian" actors are great to watch. And then there are guys who are funny and charming like a Steve Martin or even over the top like a Jim Carrey who are not "Shakeperian" but fun actors to watch. Or an action/adventure star like a Bruce Willis, loved him back in the day as an actor. And yes, the Shat, I don't even watch Boston Legal but he has received a tremendous amount of accolades for his acting work on that series. You don't seem to be looking at the man in the totality, Al, and just the common stereotype. I think you are way off base on this one.

No, I am not "way off base" Bryan. If you read my posts, I am NOT saying that William Shatner sucks. I am NOT saying that he is merely the sum of is stereotype. I AM saying to the post that I was replying to, that Emma Watson is NOT a horrible actor any more than the likes of William Shatner is. I know you're in love with the guy, but you don't have to rush to his defence dude. Not disparaging the man. Just making comparisions.

Bryancd · July 20, 2011, 09:32:40 AM

Then I am just confused as to how the analogy between Emma Watson and William Shatner is apt, I suppose. I'm not clear how they can be compared and you did say " Couldn't exacltly call him a great actor now can we?" and I flat out don't agree, that's all. I'm not in love with the guy, just felt that was an unfair assesment.

Dangelus · July 20, 2011, 09:34:54 AM

Good luck to her.

Regardless of her talent, her name will sell movie tickets and that's what the studios want. I haven't seen the later Potter movies yet so I don't have an opinion of her matured talent but it's good for her, the studios and the fans.