While Daniel Racliffe has spent years desperately trying to escape the Harry Potter persona by seeking out more challenging acting fare – most noticeably in the long-running play Equus (“look everybody, I have pubes!”) – Emma Watson has yet to step out of Hermione Granger’s shadow. It’s an interesting career move considering the amount of criticism that’s leveled at her performance. Is she that poor an actress, or is her portrayal of Hermione deliberately mannered (read: wooden)? Given the media’s obsession (read: lust) with the young actress, it’s not a great leap to imagine she’s been inundated with – and consequently turned down – many screenplays over the last 8 years .

Well, with the final chapter of the quite successful franchise behind her, it looks like Ms. Watson is ready to prove once and for all that she’s got what it takes. Today comes the news that she’s accepted the lead role in the Guillermo Del Toro produced, (presumably dark) re-imagining of the classic fairytale BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Further details are thin on the ground given the early stage of development, but an official announcement could possibly be dropped at this week’s Comic Con (he might even reveal who’ll be playing the Beauty role) . We’ll keep you in the loop.

Meanwhile, Rupert Grint is… erm, playing Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards in EDDIE THE EAGLE. *cough*

Listen to the 17th of July episode of STARBURST RADIO for further discussions / disagreements about these fine young actors, including an interesting opportunity for all you readers to win £500 out of our Editor’s pocket should Radcliffe still have a career in 12 years.

Thoughts? Dispense them in the Comments section below!