The village is waking up, and so is the internet!
Disney has finally gifted fans a substantial listen to Emma Watson’s vocals in a brand-new clip from the upcoming live-action Beauty and the Beast, and it is safe to say that the “Hogwarts” alum is officially a musical star.
While earlier TV spots gave us tiny snippets of her voice, this new footage showcases the film’s grand opening number, “Belle.” In the clip, Watson’s Belle drifts through her “poor provincial town,” returning a borrowed copy of Romeo and Juliet while the villagers go about their morning routines.
The moment has sparked a wave of excitement across X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, as fans compare Watson’s sweet, clear tone to the legendary Paige O’Hara, who voiced the character in the animated classic.
Stepping into O’Hara’s shoes is no easy feat, especially since this marks Watson’s first major singing role. However, the new footage proves she can more than hold her own alongside the lush, theatrical arrangements of legendary composer Alan Menken.
Director Bill Condon seems to be leaning into the “Disneyfied” magic of it all. Rather than stripping the story down for gritty realism, the clip reveals a highly stylized, choreographed production that feels like a love letter to the Broadway stage.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. The film’s star-studded press tour officially kicked off today in the city of lights—Paris!
Watson was joined by her “Beast,” Dan Stevens, as well as Luke Evans (Gaston) and Josh Gad (LeFou) for a stunning photo op. The group was also joined by Menken, who has collaborated with Tim Rice to bring both the classic score and brand-new songs to this reimagining.
With the soundtrack set to drop in just over two weeks, fans are already speculating about what’s next. We’ve had a tiny taste of Emma Thompson’s take on the titular track, but the internet is currently holding its breath for one thing: Ewan McGregor’s “Be Our Guest.”
If this “Bonjour” is any indication, we’re in for a magical ride when the film hits theaters.
Would you like me to find the full tracklist for the new soundtrack or check for the latest photos from the Paris press tour?
