PIC: The First Image Of Emma Watson As Belle Has Been Released

UPDATE: Contrary to multiple previous reports, including ours, this image is not an official release. It is instead a fan-made poster, and concept art for the upcoming movie as created by Prateek Mathur. Guests at the #D23EXPO WERE treated to some footage of Belle "waltzing onto the screen" in her iconic yellow gown, however the footage has not yet been publicly released. https://vimeo.com/119474793 _________________________________________________ Earlier, we wrote: "Now there's no wonder that her name is Beauty. Her looks have got no parallel." So the opening number of Beauty and the Beast goes, and the lyrics couldn't be more fitting for stunning Emma Watson. When we first heard that the Harry Potter actress would take on the iconic role in the live-action remake of the Disney Classic that she was perfectly cast. This image, the first to be released of Emma as Belle, confirms that fact.

Tale as old as time... who loves #BeautyAndTheBeast? #D23Expopic.twitter.com/diaQZrslll

— Mariah Moon (@thesimpleparent) August 15, 2015

The 25-year-old is seen wearing the classic yellow dress with her brunette locks swept into Belle's signature messy ponytail. Watson said in a clip released by Disney that playing the role is a "dream come true". Emma has said that Belle is her "dream" role.  Directed by Bill Condon and written by Stephen Chbosky, Beauty and the Beast brings the classic fairy tale to life with new music from Disney dynamos Alan Menken and Sir Tim Rice. Also starring will be Dan Stevens as Beast, Ewan McGregor as Lumiere and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts. The production is currently filming in London and is due for release in 2017.