Ewan McGregor has joined the cast of Madonna’s upcoming project W.E. to play Edward VIII.

McGregor, currently starring in Roman Polanski’s The Ghost Writer, will portray the British Monarch who famously abdicated the throne in 1936 order to marry America divorcee Wallis Simpson.

As previously announced Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga will portray Simpson. Abbie Cornish, most recently seen in Bright Star, will play a contemporary character in a parallel time line reminiscent of Julie & Julia.

Shakespeare In Love producer David Parfitt is producing with former Miramax executive Colin Vaines. Madonna will direct and is writing the screenplay with Alec Keshishian.