Emma Watson's 'Heart Bursting' At Belle Role

Emma Watson needs to learn to sing after revealing she will play Belle in a live-action remake of the Disney classic Beauty And The Beast.

The 24-year-old, who shot to fame as Hermione in the Harry Potter films and is now a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, made the announcement to fans in a Facebook post.

"(Beauty and the Beast) was such a big part of my growing up, it almost feels surreal that I'll get to dance to Be Our Guest and sing Something There," Watson wrote.

"My six-year-old self is on the ceiling - heart bursting. Time to start some singing lessons. I can't wait for you to see it."

The star has not starred in a big-screen musical before.

It is not known who will play the Beast opposite her.

Production of the film is expected to begin later this year.

It will be directed by Twilight director Bill Condon and produced by Mandeville Films' David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, Disney announced.

The original Beauty And The Beast was released in 1991 with Paige O'Hara voicing Belle.