As far as we are concerned, Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” is a highly anticipated movie because of its star-studded cast. And now, the studio announced that yet another legendary actor is joining the cast too.
Sir Ian McKellen is best known for portraying Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, as well as Magneto in the “X-Men” films. According to Variety, he is heading into the Disney world to play Cogsworth, the butler who turned into a clock in the Disney classic.
Based on a French fairy tale, “Beauty and the Beast” is about Belle, a young woman who takes her father’s place as a prisoner in a monstrous being’s castle, only to fall in love with the creature, who turns out to be a prince.
McKellen’s Cogsworth is a supporting character voiced by David Ogden Stiers in the 1991 film. He is the loyal butler to the Beast/Prince and the best friend of Lumière, who turned into candelabra during the time of the curse placed by the Enchantress.
As previously reported, “Harry Potter” star Emma Watson will portray Belle while Dan Stevens will play the Beast/Prince. “Dracula Untold” star Luke Evans will play Gaston, the main antagonist of the film. It was also announced another multiple award-winning star Emma Thompson is joining the cast as Mrs. Pott, the head housekeeper who turned into a teapot. Belle’s father, Maurice will be portrayed by Oscar-winning actor Kevin Kline.
“Frozen” star Josh Gad was reportedly going to play Lefou, but he was not included in the studio’s announcement. The beloved tale will be retold for the big screen with a modern live-action lens and the help of transformative CG magic.
Director Bill Condon (of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” fame) is set to direct the film while Stephen Chbosky will pen the script based on the draft written by Evan Spiliotopoulos. 8-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, who won 2 Academy Awards for the 1991 animated classic, is set to score the film. It will also feature new recordings of the original songs in addition to several new songs written by Menken and Sir Tim Rice.
“Beauty and the Beast” is slated for release in 3D on 17th March 2017 and the production will begin this May at Shepperton Studios in London.
No further details were announced yet, but what do you think of the casting news so far? Are you excited to watch the film? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
(Source: Variety)