Ewan McGregor to star as Danny Torrance in "The Shining" sequel

Ewan McGregor will star as Danny Torrance in "Doctor Sleep".

15 Jun– Earlier this year, it was announced that the big screen adaptation of "Doctor Sleep" has been fast-tracked into development at Warner Bros. Pictures (thanks to the success of "It").

There is now a name attached to star in it as the lead character Danny Torrance and it is none other than the multi award-winning actor, Ewan McGregor.

Variety reports that Stephen King, author of the horror novel the movie is being adapted from, has given his blessing to McGregor's casting.

The movie will be directed by Mike Flanagan, who previously helmed a Netflix adaptation of King's "Gerald's Game".

"Doctor Sleep" is a follow-up to "The Shining", another of King's popular novels that has also been adapted for the silver screen.

While the first book and movie focused on Jack Torrance, the sequel focuses on his son Danny, now all grown up and has become a reflection of his murderous father.

Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) and Danny Torrance (Danny Boyle) as seen in 1980's "The Shining".

Danny's drinking problem dulls his "shining" abilities but when he returns to sobriety, his power returns. After establishing a connection with a young girl with the same abilities, they find out a way to make their powers grow: by inhaling the "steam" that comes off others with the "shining" power as they suffer painful deaths.

The Stanley Kubrick helmed "The Shining" was not considered a success when it was released in 1980, making USD44 million on a USD19 million budget. However, it is now considered a great horror classic.

Before seeing McGregor onscreen as Danny sometime in the near future, he will first be seen this year as the titular character in Disney's "Christopher Robin".