Ewan McGregor has been chosen to star as Danny Torrance in the upcoming The Shining sequel, based on Stephen King's Doctor Sleep, reports Variety. According to the publication, King has given his blessing for the McGregor casting.

Mike Flanagan, of Netflix's adaption of King's Gerald’s Game, will direct the picture, as Trevor Macy will produce alongside Jon Berg.

Variety also points out that Warner Bros. has been developing both The Shining sequel and prequel for some time, but the studio had previously experienced difficulties securing budget.

Doctor Sleep will find McGregor's Danny Torrance continuing to struggle with his experiences from the Overlook Hotel well into adulthood. Much like his father (played by Jack Nicholson in The Shining), he is now filled with rage, utilizing alcohol do dull the pain. His substance abuse causes his "shining" powers to disappear, however, so he then decides to try sobriety in order to regain his gift and help the dying at a hospice. Upon building a relationship with a young girl who shares the same abilities, they become targeted by a group with similar powers.

For more on Ewan McGregor and the forthcoming The Shining sequel, follow on over to Variety.

In other film news, Joaquin Phoenix is to star in a new Joker movie.