Emma Watson is in early talks with studios to play the lead in a live action movie version of the classic fairy-tale Cinderella directed by Kenneth Branagh. According to sources the 22 year old actress will star opposite Cate Blanchett, who has already been cast as the wicked stepmother.

Sources said since “Harry Potter” franchise ended two years ago Watson has appeared in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah” and the comedy “This is the End”. Slowly but steadily she is growing as the sought after heroine in Hollywood.

It is learnt that Disney is said to have also considered Imogen Poots, Gaberiella Wilde and Alicia Vikander for Cinderella’s role. In 2009, Watson was reported to be considering the role of Cinderella in a goth-inspired revamp that was written and directed by Marilyn Manson.