In a conversation with Total Film, actress Emma Watson surprisingly revealed that she once turned down the role of Walt Disney’s live-action Cinderella.
In the conversation, Emma Watson said that she did not accept the role of Cinderella because she wanted her character to be inspirational. The actress described Belle from Beauty and the Beast as a role model and a “challenge” for her.
“I had no idea they were going to make Beauty and the Beast at the time I turned down Cinderella. But when they offered me Belle, I just felt that this character resonated with me so much more than the previous Cinderella.”
“She’s always curious, compassionate, open-minded and the kind of woman I wanted to portray,” Emma Watson shared.
“Belle is the kind of woman I wanted to portray,” Emma continued. “In a strange way, she challenges the status quo in which she lives and I find that really inspiring. She also maintains her integrity and has a completely independent perspective.”
After Emma Watson turned down the offer, the role of Cinderella finally went to “Downton Abbey” star Lily James.