It looks like we’ll have to wait at least a little bit longer to see Emma Watson as a Disney princess, as the actress has passed on starring in Kenneth Branagh’s live-action fairy tale adaptation of Cinderella.
While she was only in early talks, many people were treating it as basically a done deal, possibly out of excitement more than anything else. I honestly can’t think of many actresses I’d rather see in the role, so I see why her fans were thrilled about the possibility.
Watson’s passing makes the list of actresses who won’t be joining the film quite long. Previously, Gabriella Wilde, Saoirse Ronan, Imogen Poots, and Alicia Vikander were all in talks to star, but none were able to lock down a deal. It’s a bit baffling why Branagh has been unable to secure a lead for this film. I thought it was every girl’s dream to be a princess, let alone a Disney one.
While there’s still no official reason that Watson won’t be taking on the role, there’s some speculation that it has something to do with the other Disney princess she may be playing. For some time now she has been attached to the role of Belle for Guillermo del Toro’s planned take on Beauty and the Beast. There hasn’t been any news about that project’s development since last fall, but perhaps this is an indication that del Toro is moving forward with the film.
I think Watson would be just about perfect as Belle, and I’d definitely rather see her in that role over Cinderella. We’ve seen countless adaptations of Cinderella over the years and though most of them have been crummy, we’ve yet to see a quality live-action Beauty and the Beast. With del Toro’s knack for monsters and Watson as Belle, I really can’t see what could go wrong with the film.
What do you think of Watson passing on Cinderella? Which Disney princess would you rather see her play? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
