Emma Watson Won't Play Cinderella

Update: It seems that the slipper didn't fit after all. Variety's Marc Graser has revealed in a tweet that Emma Watson has decided not to accept the invitation to Kenneth Branagh's new Disney Cinderella. The studio now awaits the arrival of a pumpkin carriage bringing a new lead actress. We'll keep you posted.

Last we heard, newly-minted blockbuster director Kenneth Branagh (Thor,Jack Ryan) was only in early talks to direct Disney's newCinderella. Variety now report that he's firmly ensconced behind the camera, and he may just have found the actress to fill the glass slipper:Emma Watson is being courted by the studio to play Cinders.

ThisCinderellais the version once under the aegis of Mark Romanek, until creative differences with Disney saw him take a pumpkin carriage outta there. It's been in development for a couple of years, with screenplay drafts completed by Aline Brosh McKenna andTwilight: New Moon's Chris Weitz. The film is part of a cycle of new Disney live-action fairytales and traditional stories, alongside Tim Burton'sAlice In Wonderland, Sam Raimi'sOz: The Great And Powerful, and Robert Stromberg's upcomingMaleficent, starring Angelina Jolie as Sleeping Beauty's wannabe nemesis.

Since Hermione Granger, Watson has been steering clear of the kids' fantasies, stretching her acting chops with the likes ofThe Perks Of Being A ! Wallflower. But ifCinderellaseems like a step back for the promising actress in terms of genre, it absolutely fits her clear strategy of choosing to work with strong directors: she's recently turned out for Sofia Coppola (The Bling Ring) and Darren Aronofsky (Noah).Cinderellais also a crack at a solo starring role for Watson, who has so far stuck to ensembles.

The film is currently in pre-production, with an eye on a 2014 release.