The star-studded cast of Marvel's upcoming "Black Panther" movie just added another A-list actress to the ensemble, with Oscar nominee Angela Bassett boarding the flick.



Marvel announced on Monday that Bassett will be playing Ramonda, who is the mother of protagonist T'Challa, a.k.a. Black Panther (played by ). In the "Black Panther" comics, Ramonda has a fairly dark back story; it's unclear how much of it will adapted for the hero's standalone flick, but if anyone can breathe life into the badass character, it's the equally badass Bassett.



Bassett's casting is just the latest coup for the feature, which has already shored up an impressive roster of talent. Boseman leads the starry ensemble, joined by (playing villain Erik Killmonger), Oscar winner , Oscar winner (playing Nakia, a member of the all-female Dora Milaje royal guard and a love interest for T'Challa), (playing Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje), , , and .



"Black Panther," directed by Ryan Coogler, is set to begin production sometime early next year. It's due in theaters on February 16, 2018.







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