Emma Watson is signing up for signing lessons: The English actress will star as Belle in the upcoming live-action, big-screen version of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast.'

The 24-year-old former 'Harry Potter' star shared the news earlier today (Jan. 26) on her official Facebook page. "I'm finally able to tell you," she wrote to fans, "that I will be playing Belle in Disney's new live-action Beauty and the Beast! It was such a big part of my growing up, it almost feels surreal that I'll get to dance to 'Be Our Guest' and sing 'Something There.'"

If fans think they're excited, they've got nothing on Emma herself! She continued to gush, "My six year old self is on the ceiling - heart bursting. Time to start some singing lessons. I can't wait for you to see it."

Watson has had quite an epic wait to get to this point. She was first cast in the role way back in 2011 and had to withstand behind-the-scenes upheavals before the film finally got the go-ahead. The movie will now be directed by Bill Condon, who helmed 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' and 'Dreamgirls.'

Production is expected to begin later this year, according to BroadwayWorld.com.

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