Emma Watson is set to star alongside Tom Hanks in thriller The Circle.

The former Harry Potter actress will replace Alicia Vikander to play the female lead in James Ponsoldt’s big-screen adaptation of Dave Eggers’ 2013 novel.

Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks (Evan Agostini/Invision)

Emma will portray a new employee at a huge internet company called the Circle, which links users’ personal emails, social media and banking.

The story becomes a contemporary thriller about the perils of life and lack of privacy in a digital age where personal data is collected, compiled and used for surveillance.

Director James, who also wrote the script, said: “Emma Watson is one of my favourite actors, and her incredible talent, sensitivity and deep intelligence will bring an electric energy to The Circle.”

Shooting on The Circle will start in September in California.

Emma Watson
Emma Watson (Ian West/PA)

Emma – who is best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, based on JK Rowling’s books – is filming Disney’s live-action remake of Beauty And The Beast, which also stars Dan Stevens, Sir Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson and Luke Evans.

Her post-Potter roles include The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, The Bling Ring and Noah.