Emma Watson says no to role in Cinderella

Los Angeles - Emma Watson will not be playing Cinderella in Kenneth Branagh's film.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower actress was rumoured to be starring in the Thor director's new adaptation of the classic fairytale earlier this month, however, Variety reporter Marc Graser has now confirmed she turned down the opportunity to play the iconic princess.

He wrote on his Twitter-page: "Emma Watson has decided NOT to star in Disney's CINDERELLA. (sic)"

Cate Blanchett has already agreed to play Cinderella's evil stepmother and is still attached to the project.

Candidates to take over the titular role include Atonement star Saoirse Ronan, Anna Karenina actress Alicia Vikander and The Three Musketeers star Gabriella Wilde.

Other candidates lined upThe latest draft of the script was penned by The Twilight Saga: New Moon director Chris Weitz.

Disney gave the green light to the feature, produced by Simon Kinberg, following the success of its 2010 live action adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp.

The latest Cinderella movie currently has a release date for 2014, with filming due to start later this year.

Meanwhile, Watson has also dropped out of Harry Potter director David Yates' upcoming movie Your Voice in My Head and will be replaced by Emily Blunt, according to Stanley Tucci, who will co-star in the film.