Disney’s new take on ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be putting actor Ewan McGregor forward as Lumiere, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
McGregor is still in negotiations with the studio to portray the enchanted castle’s resident maître d’ in the upcoming live-action musical adaptation of the fairy tale.
Known as the Frenchman who got turned into a candelabra, Lumiere sings the highly popular song ‘Be Our Guest’ as well as many other noteworthy tracks. The kindhearted but rebellious candlestick holder is typically seen with his more uptight rival, Cogsworth the clock, who will be portrayed by Ian McKellen in the film.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be McGregor’s return to the movie-musical scene as he last sang as an English poet/writer with Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge, which was released in 2001.
Meanwhile, McKellen will once again collaborate with director and Oscar winner Bill Condon, who also helmed several of the films in which the ‘Hobbit’ actor appears in, such as ‘Gods and Monsters’ and ‘Mr. Holmes.’
‘Harry Potter’ star Emma Watson will take on the role of Belle the ‘Beauty’ while former ‘Downton Abbey’ star Dan Stevens has been set to portray the cursed prince, or the ‘Beast.’
Luke Evans, who appeared in ‘The Hobbit’ movies, will be playing Gaston whereas Josh Gad, known for lending his voice as Olaf in Disney’s ‘Frozen’, has been set to portray LeFou.
Other cast members include Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, Kevin Kline as Maurice and Audra McDonald as Garderobe.
Original composer Alan Menken has also joined the team. Being honored with eight Oscars as recognition for his musical capabilities, Menken has achieved considerable popularity for working on other Disney films, including ‘Aladdin’, ‘Pocahontas’, ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Enchanted’ and the 1991 version of the ‘Beauty and the Beast.’
Filming of the ‘Beauty and Beast’ live-action musical adaptation will start on May 18 at the Shepperton Studios in London. It has been set to hit theaters on March 17, 2017.
Disney’s animated film version of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ that was released in 1991 already earned a nomination for best picture, making it the first ever animated film to receive a nod in such category. Although it did not win the award, 1991’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ earned two Oscars for musical score and song as well as five Grammys and three Golden Globes. Having its own Broadway musical as well, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ pulled in a total gross of $400 million at the global box office.
