Emma Watson Has the Approval of the Animated Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast'

Emma Watson is playing the role of Belle in the live action version of Beauty and the Beast and she now has the approval of the animated version’s Belle!

Paige O’Hara, who voiced the character in the 1991 classic, spoke out about the cast while celebrating the film’s 25th anniversary this week.

“I thought it was genius casting!” Paige told People. “I don’t think you could pick anyone more right for Belle that’s out there that’s the right age. She’s beautiful, she’s got the intelligence, she’s extremely smart. I think she’s going to be wonderful. I really do!”

Paige also revealed what she thinks of Dan Stevens playing the Beast!

“I fell in love with him on Downton Abbey,” she said. “I was so angry and upset for three days after he got killed off that series � I almost boycotted it I was so angry!”

Make sure to see your first look at Emma as Belle in the recently released teaser trailer!