There are many reasons why Emma Watson was cast as Belle in Disney's 2017 live action retelling of Beauty and the Beast. For one, Watson is a household name thanks to her starring role in the Harry Potter film series. She also has proven herself to be a talented actress, singer and dancer, making her a perfect fit for the role of Belle. Additionally, Watson is close in age to Belle's character in the original animated film, which helped her connect with the material. Finally, Watson has expressed interest in playing strong and independent female characters like Belle, making her an ideal choice for the part.