Beauty and the Beast is a timeless tale that has captured the hearts of generations. The 2017 live-action adaptation of the Disney classic was highly anticipated, with Emma Watson being cast in the lead role of Belle. But, did you know that Emma Watson wasn't the only actress considered for the part? We'll take a look at the other actresses who were considered for the role of Belle before Emma Watson got the part.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone was reportedly offered the role of Belle, but she turned it down due to scheduling conflicts. Stone was filming La La Land at the time, which went on to win multiple Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Stone. While Stone would have undoubtedly made an excellent Belle, it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role after seeing Watson's performance.
Lily James
Lily James was also considered for the role of Belle, but ultimately lost out to Emma Watson. James is no stranger to playing a Disney princess, having played Cinderella in the 2015 live-action adaptation of the classic tale. While James certainly has the acting chops to play Belle, it's possible that the studio wanted to go in a different direction with the casting.
Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts was another actress who was considered for the role of Belle. Roberts is best known for her roles in American Horror Story and Scream Queens, but she's also had success in the world of film. While it's unclear why Roberts wasn't ultimately cast as Belle, it's possible that the studio was looking for a more well-known actress for the lead role.
Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan was reportedly on the shortlist for the role of Belle, but she was never officially offered the part. Ronan is a critically acclaimed actress, having been nominated for multiple Academy Awards for her roles in films like Atonement, Brooklyn, and Little Women. While Ronan would have been an interesting choice for the role of Belle, it's possible that the studio was looking for an actress with more mainstream appeal.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart was also reportedly considered for the role of Belle, but she was never officially offered the part. Stewart is best known for her role as Bella Swan in the Twilight franchise, but she's also received critical acclaim for her roles in independent films. While Stewart certainly has the acting chops to play Belle, it's possible that the studio was looking for an actress with a different look for the role.
Emma Watson wasn't the only actress considered for the role of Belle in the 2017 live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Emma Stone, Lily James, Emma Roberts, Saoirse Ronan, and Kristen Stewart were all reportedly considered for the part. While it's interesting to speculate on what might have been, it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role after seeing Emma Watson's captivating performance as Belle.
