His celebrated body of work ranges from the hugely popular Star Trek franchise to his acclaimed on-stage Shakespearean roles.

But Sir Patrick Stewart is set to take on his most surprising role yet for his upcoming movie; a smiling, cartoon pile of poo.

The talented actor, 76, will be voicing the famous emoticon, which will simply be named as Poop, for the animated comedy The Emoji Movie - which will hit cinemas on August 4.

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Toilet roll! Sir Patrick Stewart, 76, is set to take on his most surprising role o date, a smiling pile of poo for the upcoming animated comedy The Emoji Movie

The British thespian was unveiled as the surprising casting choice by Sony Picture's Twitter account on Wednesday.

'He ain't no (party emoji and poop emoji)!

'So excited to announce the distinguished @SirPatStew as Poop in the #EmojiMovie - in theaters August 4th! #SonyAnimationDay (sic)' the tweet enthused alongside a picture of an extra suave, bow-tie wearing poo emoji.

The Emoji Movie is the story of Gene (played by TJ Miller), an emoji born with multiple expressions, who joins forces with the notorious code-breaker Jailbreak (Ilana Glazer) as they go on an adventure through a teenager's phone.

The group of characters - used daily by millions across the globe - searches for a code that will help 'fix' gene and on the journey find a 'greater danger' that threatens the phone that the emojis all exist in.

'Ain't no party pooper!' The talented British actor was unveiled as the surprising casting choice by Sony Picture's Twitter account on Wednesday

Star-studded: The Star Trek actor will join an equally well-known cast of Jennifer Coolidge, James Corden, Maya Rudolph for the eagerly anticipated flick

Plot: The movie is the story of Gene (played by TJ Miller- L), an emoji born with multiple expressions, who joins forces with the notorious code-breaker Jailbreak (Ilana Glazer- R) as they go on an adventure through a teenager's phone

Excitable role: James Corden will also be joining the movie as the Hi-5 emoji

Other casting announcements made on Sony's Twitter account include Jennifer Coolidge as Gene's mother Mary Meh, Maya Rudolph as Smiler, James Corden as Hi-5 and Jake T. Austin as the teenager named Alex.

Director Tony Leondis, the man behind Kung Fu Panda in 2011 and Lilo & Stitch 2 in 2005, spoke further about the unique project at the Sony Pictures' features presentation.

'I know what you're thinking - WTF (What the f***) What is their story?

Explaining the project further, he revealed: 'Emojis are expected to be one thing their whole lives.

'So I thought, what if one was born with not one, but lots of expressions... and how would that affect the status quo?

'I know what you're thinking - WTF': Director Tony Leondis spoke further about the unique project, revealing he wanted to challenge the status-quo

'Everyone has felt different. It's everyone's story,' he teased about the project which he also wrote alongside Mike White and Eric Siegel.

He also spoke about his fascination about the tiny symbols to Entertainment Weekly last month, stating: 'From my niece to my grandmother, they send emoji.'

'It connects us. In this technological world, we still find ways to connect as human beings, and I think that’s what emojis do.'

Planning for the movie was announced back in July 2015 after Sony beat out two other studios for the project for a reported seven-figure deal.

Smitten: Patrick is loved up with his third wife Sunny Ozell, 38, who he married in 2013

However, a teaser trailer of the Michelle Raimo produced flick was released last month to a largely negative feedback.

The clip earned three times as many dislikes compared to likes.

Patrick's other upcoming releases include the new Wolverine movie Logan, alongside Hugh Jackman and the comedy Wilde Wedding with Glenn Close and Minnie Driver.

The Emoji Movie will hit cinemas on August 4.