Ian McKellen joins 'Beauty and the Beast' as Cogsworth

The cast of Beauty and the Beast continues to impress with the news of two-time Academy Award nominee Ian McKellen set to play Cogsworth. McKellen, known for his work in the Lord of the Rings and X-Men series, previously worked with Beauty and the Beast director Bill Condon on Gods and Monsters (for which the actor received his first Oscar nomination and Condon won 'Best Adapted Screenplay') and the upcoming Mr. Holmes (July 17, 2015). 

Beauty and the Beast also stars Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Audra McDonald, and Emma Thompson. The film, which begins shooting next month in London, is set for release on March 17, 2017. 

Source: Variety