From the greatest and wisest wizard in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" films to the steel-manipulating mutant in the "X-Men" franchise, actor Ian McKellen enters the scene as Beasts' majordomo in the live-action remake of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."
McKellen portrays the character Cogsworth, Beast's butler who was turned into a clock, as per Variety. The character exemplifies the voice of reason as he keeps a keen eye on the servants in the castle, making it certain that all is run to Beast's liking. Cogsworth is also Lumiere's bestfriend. However, his choice to follow Beast's rules opposes Lumiere's rebellious and care-free nature.
Cogsworth is inclined to utter sharp remarks in response to what his friends say and he usually say them in a serious manner. His loyalty to Beast is highly compelled by fear, but he cares for his master's happiness and well-being. It is assumed that the actor's role in the film will be mostly voice work, as he will be seen as the clock in most part of the film, according to Inquisitr.
After his appearance as Gandalf in "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" and Magneto in "X-Men: Days of Future Past," the actor will be seen in his other projects including "Mr. Holmes," "The Dresser," "The Curse of The Buxom Strumpet," and an untitled Noel Coward Biopic.
Aside from McKellen playing Cogsworth, the film will star Audra McDonald as Madame de la Grande Bouche/Garderobe, Josh Gad as Le Fou, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, Kevin Kline as Maurice, Luke Evans as Gaston, Dan Stevens as Beast, and Emma Watson as Belle.
Bill Condon is set to helm the film, along with Steve gaub, Don Hahn, David Hoberman, Todd Liberman, Jack Morrissey, Jeffrey Silver, and Greg Yolen as producers. Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos are in charge in penning the screenplay.
Along with Beauty and the Beast," other films that will have their live-action adaptations are "Mulan," "Winnie the Pooh," "Dumbo," "The Jungle Book," "Pinocchio," and "Pete's Dragon."
Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" is slated to premiere in theaters in the United States on March 17, 2017.