Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard have boarded and will lead the ensemble cast of Lucasfilm's Red Tails, the action drama that Anthony Hemingway is directing.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cast also includes Bryan Cranston, Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Cliff Smith (aka Method Man), Kevin Phillips, Rick Otto, Lee Tergesen, Andre Royo, Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley, Marcus T. Paulk, Leslie Odom Jr., Michael B. Jordan, Jazmine Sullivan, Edwina Findley, Daniela Ruah and Stacie Davis.

A fictional tale inspired by the real-life Tuskegee Airmen -- the first all-black aerial combat unit that flew during World War II -- the project was written by John Ridley from a story by George Lucas, who is serving as executive producer. Rick McCallum and Charles Floyd Johnson are producing.

"We're working on techniques that will give us the first true look at the aerial dogfighting of the era," Lucas said. "And our top-notch cast will really make this story special."

Principal photography is about to get under way in Europe.

Red Tails was released January 20th, 2012 and stars Bryan Cranston, Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Daniela Ruah, Michael B. Jordan, Aml Ameen, Tristan Wilds, Ne-Yo. The film is directed by Anthony Hemingway.