'Beauty and the Beast' breaks records: Is Emma Watson now Hollywood’s most sought after actress?

close

Video

Emma Watson on playing her childhood heroes

Live-action remake of Disney's 1991 animated film 'Beauty and the Beast' brings the beloved characters to life

Emma Watson is fast becoming the Belle of Hollywood’s ball.

Watson was reportedly offered $3 million upfront to play Belle in the latest Disney live-action film directed by Bill Condon, but the 26-year-old actress also signed a deal that entitles her to a cut of the film’s earnings, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Costing roughly $300 million to make and market, the film pulled in a record $63.8 million on its Friday opening.

It made $174.8 million in North America over the weekend and $180 million overseas, including $44.8 million in China, Disney said --  breaking multiple Hollywood records, including one set last year by “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” for the biggest March opening.

'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST' OPENS WITH MONSTROUS $170M WEEKEND

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Watson could make a cool $15 million if the movie makes $750 million globally.

Experts say Watson – who is also known for her role in the super successful “Harry Potter” film franchise – will have her pick of high-profile roles if she wants them.

“I think she basically has the world in the palm of her hand. She is the biggest star in the world right now. She can star in anything. She could produce. She’s America’s sweetheart and a global sweetheart,” said Liza Anderson, celebrity publicist and founder of Anderson Group Public Relations.

To put Hollywood actor's salaries into perspective, in 2016, Jennifer Lawrence was the top-earning actress, making $46 million and actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson elbowed out reigning top-ranked Robert Downey Jr. to become the world's highest-paid actor with a $64.5 million payday.

Watson earned more than $60 million for playing Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series.

Hollywood casting director Brett Benner told Fox News the success of “Beauty and the Beast” will broaden Watson’s appeal.

“There’s no denying that everyone looks to that success. She’s never been in want of work, but this will further diminish what she’s known for – ‘Harry Potter,’” he said. “I think she will command a higher salary and a lot more things will go to her that she can pick and choose from… This raises her star and it’s more than most actors would dream of making in a lifetime.”

EMMA WATSON SAYS NEW 'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST' DIFFERS FROM ORIGINAL

Watson’s success with “Beast” is likely a huge relief for the star since she backed out of the Oscar-winning “La La Land” to sign on to play Belle. Emma Stone won the best-actress Oscar for her role in “La La Land” and Anderson speculates Watson will be after an Academy Award next.

“She would look to be an award-winning actress now,” Anderson told us. “There’s no better position to be in right now. I’m sure she has Hollywood banging at her door. She’s a perfect combination of outspoken and demure, and those are qualities that both men and women love. It’s a remake of a smash hit, but the reason it was so successful is because of the global attention she got and because of who she is...”

Glenn Williamson, a Los Angeles-based producer of such films as "Hollywoodland" starring Ben Affleck, told Fox News that Watson now will be very meaningful in terms of marketing for big studio projects and getting financing for independent films.

"She dropped out of ‘La La Land’ for 'Beauty and the Beast' and I’m sure now she must feel like she did the right thing," Williamson said. "It’ll be interesting to see what she'll do next. Whether it's big studio movies and then interesting indie films, similar to Amy Adams' career.”

Watson is currently working on the film, "The Circle," co-starring Tom Hanks and Glenne Headly. Based on a novel written by Dave Eggers, "The Circle" tells the tale of a young woman who gets a job in a technology firm, only to become involved with a mysterious older man. The release date is not known.