Could there be a new chapter in the “tale as old as time?” Emma Watson certainly hopes so!
Just six weeks after the live-action Beauty and the Beast waltzed into theaters and shattered box office records, the film’s leading lady is already dreaming of what’s next for Belle. The film has officially taken the world by storm, raking in over $. billion globally, leaving fans everywhere asking: “What happens after the ‘happily ever after’?”
While Disney production head Sean Bailey has previously suggested that a prequel or spinoff might be more likely than a direct sequel, the internet isn’t giving up hope—and neither is Emma.
In a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Watson admitted she wasn’t quite aware of the massive social media campaign for a follow-up, but she didn’t hesitate to jump on board.
“I would love to do a sequel,” Watson gushed, before offering up a pitch that sounds like it came straight out of a storybook.
“I always thought that Belle had become a teacher and she would run the library in the castle, and open it up to the village,” she shared. “This is where I was going.”
The idea has already sparked a wave of love from fans on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, who pointed out that the library was the emotional heart of Belle and the Beast’s relationship. Seeing her share that passion with the rest of the village feels like the ultimate full-circle moment for the character.
But Watson isn’t the only one ready to head back to the castle. Her Beastly costar, Dan Stevens, is also “open to offers.”
In fact, Stevens joked that while his character finally regained his handsome human form at the end of the film, he’d “kind of like to bring the Beast back” for a second round. Whether that involves another magical curse or just some very creative CGI remains to be seen!
The reimagining, directed by Bill Condon, succeeded by adding fresh depth to the animated classic. Between the introduction of new characters and Alan Menken’s soul-stirring new songs like “Evermore,” the film proved there is plenty of room to expand the mythos without losing the magic of the original.
Of course, the “Mouse House” is known for being protective of its classics, and a sequel would require a truly powerhouse script. But with the cast on board and Emma Watson basically writing the screenplay herself, the question really becomes: “Why not?”
For now, fans will have to keep their fingers crossed and their books close. But if Emma has her way, Belle’s library doors will be opening for everyone very soon.
What do you think of Emma’s sequel idea? Tell us in the comments!
Unexpected Team-Up: Prince William and Emma Watson Unite for Change
Prince William had plenty to celebrate this weekend, but his latest public appearance quickly turned heads for a very different reason. After marking his 44th birthday and Father's Day with his family, the future king returned to royal duties—and made a surprisingly personal confession about the emotional toll of climate change.
William joined Hollywood stars Emma Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch at a United for Wildlife forum in London, an initiative he launched with the Royal Foundation in 2013. The organization works around the world to combat wildlife trafficking, environmental crime, and the destruction of endangered species.
But it was William's candid admission about his own fears that stole the spotlight.
The Prince of Wales revealed that climate change has caused him "sleepless nights," admitting he has struggled with anxiety about what the future could look like. Yet instead of allowing those fears to overwhelm him, William said seeing real progress through conservation efforts has helped keep his environmental anxiety under control.
He also delivered a powerful message to business leaders, urging them to become the kind of leaders they admired when they were children. With technology and innovation transforming the world at an incredible pace, William challenged CEOs to use their influence to create meaningful change.
The event launched London Climate Action Week, with more royal appearances expected, including the Earthshot Prize assembly.
Emma Watson also delivered a surprising revelation of her own. The Harry Potter star highlighted the fashion industry's enormous environmental impact, pointing out that it produces more emissions than aviation and ranks behind only oil among major polluting industries.
Watson, who is also pursuing a doctorate in philosophy at Oxford, shared a hilarious story about mistakenly believing paparazzi were following her. After spotting photographers with telephoto lenses, she arranged a distraction and escaped through another exit. The twist? They weren't photographing her at all. They were waiting to capture a red kite.
Meanwhile, Benedict Cumberbatch praised William as "a great guy" and urged businesses and individuals to recognize that they can still make a difference, even when global environmental challenges appear overwhelming.
With William, Watson, and Cumberbatch joining forces on the issue, the London forum delivered a clear message: the fight against environmental destruction is becoming impossible for the world's biggest names to ignore.
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