"The Circle" is complete: Emma Watson has been tapped to star in the technological thriller alongside Tom Hanks.

Hanks will produce the flick, based on the novel by Dave Eggers, as well as play a yet-to-be-determined role. Watson will play the lead, described as "a recent college graduate who scores a job at a powerful Internet monopoly, called the Circle, which boasts a gorgeous campus and incredible amenities for its employees," per Vanity Fair. The site writes:

After ascending the ranks fairly quickly, she discovers herself to be in the center of a corporation linking "users' personal e-mails, social media, banking, and purchasing with their universal operating system, resulting in one online identity and a new age of civility and transparency." A press release for the project explains that the film will explore "the perils of life in a digital age where personal data is collected, sifted, and monetized and used for surveillance, rendering privacy obsolete."

This meaty role is yet another eclectic part for the British actress, who's setting herself apart from her "Harry Potter" days with a swath of diverse projects including "The Bling Ring," "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," and the upcoming live-action "Beauty and the Beast." That keen eye for quality work was not lost on "The Circle" writer-director James Ponsoldt, who praised his new leading lady.

"Emma Watson is one of my favorite actors, and her incredible talent, sensitivity, and deep intelligence will bring an electric energy to 'The Circle,'" Ponsoldt said in a statement.

We couldn't agree more about Watson's talent, and can't wait to see her go toe-to-toe with Hollywood legend Hanks. Stay tuned for more.

[via: Vanity Fair]

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