Ian McKellan
IN PHOTO: Sir Ian McKellan takes part in the procession around the streets of Manchester in the 10th EuroPride festival wait at the start the procession through central Manchester, August 23, 2003. EuroPride is the biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender festival in Europe and is taking place in Manchester between August 15-25. REUTERS/Andrew Fox Reuters/Andrew Fox

Joining the star-studded cast of Bill Condon’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast,” “Lord of the Rings” star Ian McKellan is set to play Cogsworth, the Prince’s butler who is transformed into a clock. The Veteran actor is set to star alongside Emma Watson’s Belle, Dan Steven’s Beast/Prince, Emma Thompson’s Mrs. Pott, Josh Gad’s Le Fou and Audra McDonald’s Gardrobe.

McKellan is also set to reunite with “The Hobbit’s” co-star Luke Evans who will portray the movie’s vain villain Gaston. The actor’s role does not involve any singing unlike most of the major roles in the movie, but he is part of the “Be Our Guest” showstopper in the 1991 Disney’s animated classic.

The “X-Men” star is the latest Hollywood big name to be included in live-action “Beauty and the Beast” ensemble cast. British veteran actress and “Harry Potter” alum Emma Thompson recently signed up for the musical role, including Kevin Kline who will play Belle’s father, Maurice.

Best known for his role as Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy series, the 75-year-old is going to reunite with Condon who directed him in “Gods and Monsters.” The old thespian is currently onscreen playing an aging Sherlock Holmes in this year’s “Mr. Holmes” also directed by the Condon based on the 2005 novel “A Slight Trick of the Mind” written by Mitch Cullin.

Meanwhile, the “Noah” star announced her involvement in the movie in January when she announced her casting via her Facebook page.

"I'm finally able to tell you...It was such a big part of my growing up, it almost feels surreal that I'll get to dance to 'Be Our Guest' and sing 'Something There,’” she wrote on Jan. 27. “My six year old self is on the ceiling - heart bursting. Time to start some singing lessons. I can't wait for you to see it. Emma xx”

Scheduled to premiere on March 17, 2017 for its 3D release, “Beauty and the Beast” follows the success of Disney’s live-action “Cinderella” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Disney recently announced their plan to make live-action remakes of “Mulan,” “Pinocchio” and “Dumbo.” “Big Eyes” director Tim Burton already signed up as “Dumbo’s” director, the movie is based on the iconic 1941 film about a circus elephant with big ears.

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