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 highly anticipated live-action “Beauty and the Beast,” and it is safe to say that the “Harry Potter” alum is officially a musical star.
While earlier television spots gave only tiny snippets of her voice, this spectacular 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 book while the bustling villagers go about their morning routines.
The magical moment has sparked a massive wave of excitement across X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, as fans quickly compare Watson’s sweet, clear tone to the legendary Paige O’Hara, who voiced the character in the beloved animated classic.
Taking on a Disney Legend
Stepping into O’Hara’s iconic 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 full, “Disneyfied” magic of it all. Rather than stripping the story down for gritty realism, the clip reveals a highly stylized, beautifully choreographed production that feels like a love letter to the Broadway stage.
“Emma Watson’s voice is literally perfect for Belle,” one excited fan shared on X. “It is so sweet and pure, I actually have tears in my eyes!” Over on TikTok, users are already pairing the audio with nostalgic clips, celebrating Watson’s flawless transition from wizarding hero to Disney princess.
A Stunning Parisian Press Tour Launch
The timing of the clip could not 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 against the gorgeous Parisian skyline. 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 highly anticipated reimagining.
With the soundtrack set to drop in just over two weeks, fans are already speculating about what is next. While the public has had a tiny taste of Emma Thompson’s take on the titular track, the internet is currently holding its breath for one thing: Ewan McGregor’s performance of “Be Our Guest.”
If this beautiful “Bonjour” is any indication, audiences are in for a truly magical ride when the film finally hits theaters. Watson’s Belle is proving that she is much more than a “funny girl,” she is a powerhouse.
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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