Los Angeles, June 25 (IANS): Actress Emma Watson has signed on to play the lead in James Ponsoldt's "The Circle".

According to entertainment and media news website TheWrap, Watson will star opposite actor Tom Hanks in the movie which is based on Dave Eggers' novel of the same name, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Watson will play a college graduate who's hired for a big job in an Internet monopoly called the Circle.

The digital company links users' personal emails, social media, banking, and purchasing with their universal operating system, resulting in one online identity and a new age of civility and transparency.

Ponsoldt revealed that it was Watson's intelligence which made her be very competent for the role.

"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.

Previously, actress Alicia Vikander had been attached to star in the adaptation movie but she dropped out after deciding to take part in "Bourne 5".

As for Hanks, his role has not been announced yet, but sources say that he will play a mysterious older man. Additionally, Hanks will produce the movie alongside Ponsoldt, Gary Goetzman and Anthony Bregman.

The movie will be released in the US sometime in 2016.