A graphic circulating this week shows a movie poster for a new live-action version of “The Little Mermaid” starring Emma Watson as Ariel. Is this true or false?

It’s fake.

The image was originally posted on the Harry Potter fan site Mugglenet as an April Fool’s joke in 2013. The story associated with the image read:

Emma Watson will certainly be living the princess lifestyle this year, after reports have linked her to different projects where she will portray classic Disney princesses Belle, from Beauty and the Beast as well as the title role in Cinderella (although Emma has since turned down that role). Completing the trio is Ariel, from The Little Mermaid, originally released as an animated feature in 1989.

An altered version of the graphic began circulating in February 2014 with the following text:

A few hours ago it was confirmed that Emma Watson was chosen to play the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid. But that’s not all! Prince Eric will be played by Daniel Redcliffe!

This new production of Disney’s animated classic is planned for release in 2015 and will be a live action telling filmed digitally in 3D.

Bottom Line

Emma Watson is not starring as Ariel in a new live-action version of The Little Mermaid. The graphic and the story were created as an April Fool’s joke in 2013 on a harry Potter Fan website.