It’s not a puzzle to Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle, why Disney went with Emma Watson for the role in the live-action remake of Beauty And The Beast due out next year. While on a press tour for the 25th anniversary edition of the animated film, O’Hara told USA Today that Watson would have been her “first choice” as well if she had any say in the casting process. “I was just really happy they went with Emma,” O’Hara said. “She’s got the intelligence, she’s got the humor. I think she’s going to be really, really special.” So there you have it: One peculiar mademoiselle has given her blessing to the next, and all is right for now in the Mouse’s kingdom.
Beauty And The Beast nostalgia is in high gear as it reaches its quarter century birthday. Over the weekend, Angela Lansbury performed a rendition of the title song at a screening, and proved she hasn’t missed a step.