Star Wars, Outlander, Kingsman stars team up for Everest adventure movie

Star Wars' Ewan McGregor is set to scale Mount Everest in a new movie, appearing alongside Outlander's Sam Heughan and Kingsman's Mark Strong.

The trio will star in adventure thriller Everest, it has been confirmed, with the Obi-Wan Kenobi actor taking on the role of real-life mountaineer George Mallory.

The story sees Mallory picked by the Royal Geographic Society's Arthur Hinks (Strong) to scale the previously unconquerable mountain following World War I.

Related: Star Wars' Ewan McGregor admits he was disappointed prequels were "universally" panned

Mallory and his Australian rival George Finch (Heughan) climb the mountain, though the challenge presents a singular test of self.

Mallory's journey infamously ended in mystery after he died during the expedition, and it is unknown whether he ever made it to the summit.

Everest is based on book Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer, with Edge of Tomorrow's Doug Liman set to direct from a script by Up in the Air's Sheldon Turner. Filming is set to begin in January.

"Bringing Everest to screen is more relevant now than ever," co-producer Jennifer Klein said. "In this period of uncertainty, a story of true determination, passion and positivity can help remind us of what we can overcome."

McGregor is currently busy working on new Disney+ Star Wars show Obi-Wan Kenobi, and recently teased one scene that he had filmed.

"I got to play a very special scene on May 4, with someone very special in my life and that's all I can tell you about it. But it was great fun," he said.

The actor added: "I'm having a really great time. The costume's slightly different than you might expect, but to go back into the role, shall we say, is great. It's all still there, it feels good. We have great scripts and great people to work with."

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Sam Warner

Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.