Emma Watson signs up for Beauty and the Beast

CEBU, Philippines - Emma Watson will star in a film adaptation of 'Beauty and the Beast'.

The 'Harry Potter' actress will take the lead role in a new version of the traditional fairy tale, to be made by 'Lord of the Rings' director Guillermo del Toro.

The film's producer, Denise Di Novi, told comingsoon.net about the casting, but little else about the film is known at present.

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.

While she has no leading roles lined up, Emma does have two smaller parts in 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' and 'My Week with Marilyn', both set for release within the next year.

'Beauty and the Beast' has been adapted into film a number of times, including an animated version by Walt Disney in 1991 and in a modern take starring Alex Pettyfer titled 'Beastly' earlier this year.