Disney's "Beauty and Beast" live-action has a strong female role model in Emma Watson. The actress, a known advocate for women, has refused to do one thing for the film and stuck with her ideas to play a princess who could hold her own.
Emma Watson did not want to wear a corset under her iconic yellow dress in the "Beauty and the Beast" live-action. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran spoke with Entertainment Weekly to confirm that the actress did want to make minor changes to her character.
"She did not want a dress that was corseted or that would impede her in any way," Durran revealed. Apparently, Emma Watson sees her character as an "active" person and wearing a corset would impede her movement.
Emma Watson also worked with the "Beauty and the Beast" live-action writers in crafting a new facet to her character, Belle. The actress wanted her backstory expounded, so that Belle in this film version is also an inventor apart from a book lover.
Thank you to our #BeautyAndTheBeast fans worldwide for a record-breaking 127.6 million views on our new trailer in 24 hours! https://t.co/IzBCS8DYkQ
— Beauty and the Beast (@beourguest) November 15, 2016
The 26-year-old star's decision in altering her characterization is receiving praises. According to Allure, the young star is pushing women empowerment through her new film and it's worth commending. The Guardian notes that the actress' requests are practical and simple, but it is a big win for feminists everywhere, including Emma Watson herself.
Lauded as the perfect choice for Belle in "Beauty and the Beast," even the original Belle, voice actress Paige O'Hara, gave Emma Watson a thumbs up. "I think she's going to be absolutely brilliant," the actress said, according to Yahoo.
"Beauty and the Beast" live-action will premiere in theaters on March 17, 2017. Emma Watson will play opposite Dan Stevens as the Beast. The movie also features Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Kevin Kline, Ian McKellen, Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Audra McDonald.
