Jason Isaacs looks unrecognisable in character as he transforms into late screen legend Cary Grant

Jason Isaacs looked unrecognizable as the late Hollywood icon Cary Grant when he was spotted on the set of the upcoming ITVX biopic Archie in Manchester on Thursday.

The Harry Potter star, 59, is set to play Cary in the four-part drama series that will cover his humble beginnings in the UK to its phenomenal success in America.

The sighting on set comes as Jason said in a statement that he would “never be foolish enough to try and step into Cary’s iconic shoes.”

What a transformation! Jason Isaacs (left) looked unrecognizable on Thursday as he turned into late screen legend Cary Grant (right) for the new ITV biopic Archie

While on set, Jason looked neat in a navy blue and gray suit and jacket, with his dark hair styled back and out of his face.

He wore heavy makeup and possibly prosthetics when he turned into the late screen icon.

Also spotted on the set was actress Harriet Walter, 72.

Final Role: The Harry Potter star, 59, is set to play Cary in the four-part drama series that will chronicle his humble beginnings in the UK to his phenomenal rise to success in America

Co-star: Also spotted on set was actress Harriet Walter, 72

The title of the biopic comes from Cary’s birth name, Archibald Alec Leach.

The star died at the age of 82 in Iowa, in the US, in 1986, but was known for films such as An An Affair to Remember and To Catch a Thief, which starred Grace Kelly.

Cary is quoted in author Scott Eyman’s 2020 book Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise as “playing a character” all his life.

“He’s a completely made-up character and I’m playing a part. I’m really not Cary Grant. In my mind’s eye, I’m just a vaudevillian named Archie Leach,” Cary said.

“But I think Cary Grant has done wonders for my life.”

Late Icon: The title of the biopic comes from Cary’s birth name, Archibald Alec Leach. Pictured in 1942

The book chronicles his years of struggle with his sexual identity as he lived with actor Randolph Scott and was considered bisexual at best.

Cary, whose real name was Archibald “Archie” Leach, had four marriages, fell madly in love with Sophia Loren, and underwent years of therapy to combat his narcissism and temper.

He didn’t see any relief until years later when actress Betsy Drake, Grant’s third wife, introduced him to psychotherapy and LSD.

Before Hollywood, he joined a group of acrobats, learned to walk stilts and dreamed of traveling.

Jason told Variety in a statement about both his excitement at playing the part and his trepidation.

“There was only one Cary Grant and I would never be so foolish as to step into his iconic shoes,” Jason said. Variety in a statement.

“Archie Leach, on the other hand, couldn’t be further from the character he came up with to save himself.

He added: “It’s a man’s story, not a legend, and those are shoes I can’t wait to walk in.”

Jason is known for roles in Harry Potter, the show Good Sam and Castlevania, among others.

“There was only one Cary Grant and I would never be stupid enough to step into his iconic shoes,” Jason said in a statement to Variety. The star was pictured in London on Sunday