Emma Watson Eyes Kenneth Branagh's CINDERELLA

Internationally recognized HARRY POTTER franchise star Emma Watson has her eye on the title role in director Kenneth Branagh's new live-action feature film adaptation of CINDERELLA and Disney is in early talks with her to star in the soon-to-be-shot fairy tale.

In an earlier, but equally delicious casting coup, Branagh secured the services of Academy Award-winning stage and screen star Cate Blanchett to take on the role of the Wicked Stepmother. Watson's casting as the put-upon daughter/servant in the classic children's story could prove quite genius opposite Blanchett given their disparate onscreen auras.

Watson previously appeared in this year's well-received THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER and has roles in two anticipated films later this year, as well: Sofia Coppola's THE BLING RING and Darren Aronofsky's Biblical epic NOAH.

Also, Watson has expressed an interest in pursuing a stage or screen musical in the near future, as well as a Broadway bow following a pleasant experience performing in Chekov's THREE SISTERS while attending Brown University, as reported here.

The script for CINDERELLA was penned by Chris Weitz and Aline Brosh McKenna. No confirmation on Watson's casting has been confirmed.

Watson and Branagh previously co-starred in MY WEEK WITH MARILYN, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for his uncanny portrayal of Laurence Olivier.

Check out my 2011 InDepth InterView: Kenneth Branagh here.

View Variety's article on the matter here.