Big Names Continue To Join Live-Action 'Beauty And The Beast' Cast; Lead Star Emma Watson Continue To Earn Admiration Of Fellow Celebrities

The "Beauty and the Beast" movie continues to attract big celebrities who will join Emma Watson in reimagining the hit animated film in a live action adaptation.

Variety reported that Sir Ian McKellen, who put into film iconic characters like Magneto and Gandalf, will play Cogsworth in the Disney movie.

"In the original Disney movie, Cogsworth was the Beast's loyal butler, who was transformed into a clock by a curse that overtook the castle," the magazine reported.

Right after its release in 1991, the animated "Beauty and the Beast" went on to gross over $375 million in the worldwide box office. The success also crossed over to Broadway featuring music from Alan Menken and lyrics from Tim Rice and Howard Ashman.

Sir Ian McKellen will also reunite with Luke Evans in Emma Watson's live-action "Beauty and the Beast" after working together in the Hobbit series.

Other stars who will join Emma Watson in "Beauty and the Beast" are Dan Stevens and Josh Gad, who voiced Olaf in "Frozen." It will be directed by Bill Condon and written by Evan Spiliotopoulos, which was finalized by Stephen Chbosky.

Meanwhile, after successfully starring in the "Harry Potter" movie series, Emma Watson found her calling as a staunched activist for gender equality. Knowing herself while still young earned the admiration of fellow celebrities.

Kiernan Shipka, 15, believes Emma Watson is a good role model.

''I love Emma Watson, I think she's amazing. She would probably be who I would say I'd love a career like," the "Mad Men" cast told Stylist. ''She's a great actress and we've kind of seen her grow up too, so we've got that similar vibe going on.''

Model Karlie Kloss also finds inspiration in "Beauty and the Beast" cast member Emma Watson who managed to balance school and career.

"I'm going to continue working as a model. I want to do it all! And I think it's possible to keep working while you go to school," she said per Elle.

"Christy Turlington did it. Natalie Portman did it. Emma Watson just did it! And those are just women in the public eye, but plenty of others do it, too. You know, women around the world are great at multitasking. We do it well."

Emma Watson will be seen in live-action "Beauty and the Beast" on March 17, 2017.