Ewan McGregor looks set to light up the screen in the new adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. The Scottish actor is in final negotiations to play the role of Lumiere in Disney's upcoming live action movie.Lumiere is the charismatic maître d' of the Beast’s house, transformed into a candelabra after a spell was cast on his master and the residents of his castle. The character also sings the show-stopping number Be Our Guest in the original film – although Disney are yet to confirm whether the new movie will be a musical.
Ewan McGregor is in final talks to play Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast
It wouldn't be the first time Ewan has showcased his vocal talent; in 2001, he notably sang onscreen in Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge.Ewan joins a stellar cast. Ian McKellen has been cast as the grumpy clock Cogsworth, with Emma Thompson as Mrs Potts, Audra McDonald as Garderobe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, Lumiere's love interest. Stanley Tucci has been cast in a new role, as Cadenza, a grand piano described as a "neurotic maestro".Emma Watson and Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens have been announced as the titular characters, with Luke Evans playing Belle's villainous suitor Gaston, Josh Gad as his loyal sidekick Le Fou, and Kevin Kline case as Belle's father Maurice.Directed by Dreamgirls' Bill Condon, Beauty and the Beast is set to begin filming in London in May, and is scheduled for release in 2017.
The stars are clearly excited to get started. Last week, Josh Gad shared the very first on-set photo on his Instagram page showing Emma posing with her fellow co-stars Dan, Luke, Kevin and Josh. "Can't wait for you to be our guest," the US star – best known for voicing Olaf in Frozen – captioned the snap.Emma confirmed in January that she would be taking on the role of Belle in the new film. Writing on her Facebook page, the English beauty announced: "I'm finally able to tell you… that I will be playing Belle in Disney's new live-action Beauty and the Beast!"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 added: "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."