Speaking from the heart, Watson said: “I think I’ve loved Beauty and the Beast since I was about four years old.”

And, as you’ve probably guessed, a lot of that was down to Belle’s independence; unlike Disney princesses that had come before her, such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora, Belle is not a mute damsel in distress, who waits for Prince Charming to rescue her from servitude and oppression.

Instead, Belle is an intelligent bookworm, who pursues adventure “in the great wide somewhere”, rescues her father, challenges opinions, and finds a partner who is worthy of her love. There’s no immediate ‘love at first sight, or rushing off into the sunset with a man she’s just met; instead, Belle and Beast’s relationship is difficult, and complex, and built upon a firm foundation of friendship.

“I just fell in love with Belle,” says Watson. “She was this feisty young woman who spoke her mind.”

Watch the featurette for yourself below:

Emma Watson reveals why Beauty and the Beast role is so important to her