Emma Watson to play lead role in 'Beauty and the Beast'

London, Feb 15 (ANI): Emma Watson is set to star in a period film adaptation of the classic fairytale story 'Beauty and the Beast'.

Guillermo del Toro, the director behind the darkly fantastical modern fairytale 'Pan's Labyrinth', will direct the flick.

According to Variety Magazine, del Toro reportedly said that Watson was "perfect" for the part of Belle last summer, and is now steps away from confirming the role, the Telegraph reported.

Very little is known about the film, except that the script is being written by Andrew Davies, the screenplay writer for 'Bridget Jones' Diary'.

The Warner Bros film will also be produced by del Toro, whose recent production filmography includes 'Puss In Boots', 'Kung Fu Panda 2', and a forthcoming remake of 'Pinocchio'.

The director is currently working on alien sci-fi epic 'Pacific Rim'. (ANI)