Disney's live action, 3D 'Beauty and the Beast' waltzes to theaters in March 2017

Following "Cinderella's" blockbuster weekend, Walt Disney Studios announced Monday that its next foray into live action fairy tale adaptations, "Beauty and the Beast," will hit theaters March 17, 2017, in 3D.

"Harry Potter" alum Emma Watson will star as the heroine Belle with "Downton Abbey" vet Dan Stevens taking on the part of the Beast in the Bill Condon-directed film. The cast also includes Luke Evans as the villainous Gaston, Kevin Kline as Belle's father Maurice, and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts.

With a script from Stephen Chbosky ("The Perks of Being a Wallflower"), the film is set to begin production in London in May. Alan Menken, who provided the music for the 1991 animated film, will return to compose the score, which will feature several new songs.