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Dream Casting The Live-Action Disney Princesses

Kathy Zerbib |
February 3, 2015 | 10:13 p.m. PST

Senior Entertainment Editor

"Harry Potter" alum Emma Watson is set to play Belle in a new, live-action theatrical version of "Beauty and the Beast" and the decision could not be better. Watson's love for singing, reading and dancing makes her the only candidate to assume the iconic role.

Since this dream casting has finally happened, here's a look at other talented actresses who would triumph as our favorite Disney characters.

Maia Mitchell would make an ideal Snow White (Twitter/@Jeannette5SOS).
Maia Mitchell would make an ideal Snow White (Twitter/@Jeannette5SOS).

Maia Mitchell as Snow White

With her chubby cheeks, fair skin and big eyes, this Australian actress and singer looks the part. All she needs is a haircut and she's ready to sing to birds and bite a bad apple. You might recognize her from "The Fosters" and "Jessie." Another actress to consider - Lucy Hale.

Shay Mitchell is fierce just like Pocahontas (Twitter/@twistmag).
Shay Mitchell is fierce just like Pocahontas (Twitter/@twistmag).

Shay Mitchell as Pocahontas

She's tan, fierce and has long, dark hair… Shay Mitchell (AKA Emily Fields of "Pretty Little Liars") is a strong candidate for the role of Pocahontas. Her character Emily is strong and graceful, just like Pocahontas. Can Shay add "singer" to her iMDB page in the near future? We see plenty of possibility.

Dianna Agron is soft and graceful, just like Cinderella (Twitter/@JustJared).
Dianna Agron is soft and graceful, just like Cinderella (Twitter/@JustJared).

Dianna Agron as Cinderella

This "Glee" alum is more deserving of the Cinderella role than Anna Kendrick ("Into The Woods") or Lily James ("Cinderella"). Sorry, ladies, but Dianna has that shy-girl-with-perfect-feet persona. We already know she can act, sing and dance. 

With long hair, Ashley Benson would make a great sleeping beauty (Twitter/@Lean011O).
With long hair, Ashley Benson would make a great sleeping beauty (Twitter/@Lean011O).

Ashley Benson as Aurora

Elle Fanning is commendable in "Maleficent," but her baby face makes her look much too innocent to be 16 years old. Ashley Benson, though actually 25, plays a high school student in "Pretty Little Liars." She has the ideal face for a naive, sleeping beauty with princess tendencies. She cut her hair for her "PLL" role, but her long hair adds to her Aurora potential. Another actress to consider - Cara Delevigne.

Vanessa Hudgens as a mermaid? We're convinced (Twitter/@lylelindale).
Vanessa Hudgens as a mermaid? We're convinced (Twitter/@lylelindale).

Vanessa Hudgens as Ariel

Before you write this one out, consider Vanessa Hudgens with red hair in a mermaid outfit. Still can't picture it? See the evidence here, here and here. Starting to make more sense? We agree. Her goofy, happy-go-lucky personality is basically twinning with Ariel's. Another actress to consider - Kate Mara.

Selena Gomez would make a good Jasmine for Aladdin (Twitter/@fazyjenydeda).
Selena Gomez would make a good Jasmine for Aladdin (Twitter/@fazyjenydeda).

Victoria Justice/Selena Gomez as Jasmine

This one is not a definite choice. Victoria Justice has some promise, but is she sultry enough for the part? Other actresses to consider are Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens, with major emphasis on Selena. From Selena's role in "Spring Breakers," we know she can play the part of a rule-bender.

Jamie Chung plays Mulan in "Once Upon A Time" (Twitter/@lotuslashes).
Jamie Chung plays Mulan in "Once Upon A Time" (Twitter/@lotuslashes).

Jamie Chung as Mulan

Yes, she already plays Mulan in "Once Upon A Time." Fortunately, Jamie Chung plays the character very well. She's hard-headed, fit and fearless. Mulan would be proud.

Aja Naomi King should be Tiana (Twitter/@NARSUzo).
Aja Naomi King should be Tiana (Twitter/@NARSUzo).

Aja Naomi King as Tiana

Aja Naomi King plays Michaela Pratt in "How To Get Away With Murder." Fun fact, she's also 30 years old. She does not look anything close to 30, making her perfect to don Tiana's crown. It might be time to elevate Aja's acting history and find out if she can hold a tune or two. Another actress to consider - Zendaya Coleman.

With extensions, AnnaSophia Robb could be Rapunzel (Twitter/@Beatlesbaby8).
With extensions, AnnaSophia Robb could be Rapunzel (Twitter/@Beatlesbaby8).

AnnaSophia Robb as Rapunzel

From her plethora of acting roles, we know AnnaSophia Robb can take on a variety of characters. She has that childish spunk necessary to be Rapunzel. Give her some extensions and she's ready to take on this feisty princess.

You read it here first, folks. 

Reach Senior Entertainment Editor Kathy Zerbib here. Follow her on Twitter here.



 

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