Ian McKellan Joins Emma Watson For ‘Beauty And The Beast’ Cast

Since we brought you the news in January that Emma Watson was to become an actual Disney princess IRL, playing Belle in the real-action remake of Beauty and the Beast, the cast announcements haven’t disappointed.

The latest name added to the already star studded cast list? Ian McKellan.

The actor, most famous for playing Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings and *The *Hobbit films, will be playing another magical character, this time cast as Cogsworth, the prince’s butler who is transformed into a clock.

Ian made the announcement on his Instagram page, posting a photo of him next to his cartoon clock counterpart. “I am excited to be making my Disney debut under the guidance of director Bill Condon and in the company of his talented cast including Emma Watson, Luke Evans, Emma Thompson and Kevin Kline. Just hoping it all goes like clockwork!” he said.

Traditionally, the character does not have any solo musical numbers, but is part of song ‘Be Our Guest’.

As well as Emma Watson, the actor will star alongside another Brit favourite, Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens, who has been cast as the beast. Other cast members include; Luke Evans as villain Gaston, Josh Gad as Le Fou (Gaston’s sidekick), Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts the teapot, Kevin Kline as Maurice (Belle’s father) and Audra McDonald as Garderobe.

We cannot wait to see Beauty and the Beast come to life with all our favourites, the clock is ticking and we are starting a countdown right now.