Emma Watson to star opposite Tom Hanks in 'The Circle'

LOS ANGELES, June 26 (UPI) -- Emma Watson will star opposite Tom Hanks in The Circle.

The 25-year-old English actress will portray protagonist Mae Holland in an adaptation of the Dave Eggers novel of the same name, with Hanks as the character Kalden.

The Spectacular Now director James Ponsoldt will adapt and helm the film, and co-produce with Hanks and Gary Goetzman of Playtone and Anthony Bregman of Likely Story.

"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.

The Circle centers on a recent college graduate (Watson) who joins an Internet monopoly called The Circle. The company links users' email, social media, banking and purchases in a universal operating system, and the story explores the perils of an increasingly digitized world.

Ex Machina actress Alicia Vikander was rumored for Watson's role, but will star with Matt Damon in the fifth Bourne movie instead. Watson is also scheduled for new thriller Regression with Ethan Hawke and Disney's live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.