Emma Watson Speaks Out on Live-Action 'LITTLE MERMAID' Casting Rumors

With BLING RING director Sophia Coppola on board to direct Universal's live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID - many have jumped to dream-casting Emma Watson (who recently starred in Coppola's 'RING') in the lead role of Ariel.

At the premiere of Darren Aronofsky's NOAH, in which she stars opposite Russell Crowe, Watson spoke out on the casting rumors, telling Variety: "I mean I'd have to read it first. I love Sofia so much."

Good news though: she might have an old child-sized Ariel costume laying around.

"I actually dressed up as Ariel for my fifth birthday," she said.

After casting a spell on audiences with her Epic role as Hermione in the Harry Potter series to her most recent critically acclaimed role in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Watson has established herself as one of the most riveting young actors today.

Photo by: © Nancy Kaszerman/ZUMAPRESS.com.