James Corden, Daisy Ridley to star in live-action/animated 'Peter Rabbit' film

CULVER CITY, Calif., Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Actor and The Late, Late Show host James Corden is set to play the titular hare in the live-action/animated movie Peter Rabbit.

Animal Logic is working with Columbia Pictures and Frederick Warne & Co. on the film adaptation of Beatrix Potter's beloved children's book series.

Will Gluck is directing the movie. Production is to begin in January 2017 and a tentative, theatrical release is set for April 2018.

Rose Byrne will play the live-action female lead role of Bea and the voice cast of cartoon characters will include Daisy Ridley and Elizabeth Debicki.

"I am delighted to be teaming up with Frederick Warne. Their expertise and stewardship is absolutely critical to making a film that honors the legacy of Beatrix Potter," Gluck said in a statement.

Tom Weldon, chief executive officer of Penguin Random House U.K., added: "We at Penguin Random House U.K. are delighted to be working with Columbia Pictures.  As custodians of Beatrix Potter's brand and legacy, we are excited about the opportunity this production will bring to engage a whole new audience with the world of Beatrix Potter and one of her best-loved characters, the mischievous Peter Rabbit."