James Purefoy, Thomas Haden Church and Mark Strong have officially boarded John Carter of Mars, according to Heat Vision.

Andrew Stanton is directing Disney's adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs books. Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins star in the film, alongside Willem Dafoe, Samantha Morton, Dominic West, Polly Walker.

The film centers on a Civil War veteran (Kitsch) who finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars, where he becomes embroiled with the planet's warring people.

Church plays Tal Hajus, an ambitious and vicious Thark warrior who is biding his time to be a ruler.

Purefoy plays Kantos Kan, the captain of the Xavarian, the kingdom of Helium's grand warship. Strong is Matai Shang, the ruler of the Thems with godlike status.

Disney has set a Summer 2012 release date.

John Carter comes to theaters March 9th, 2012 and stars Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Bryan Cranston, Mark Strong, Willem Dafoe, Ciarán Hinds, Dominic West, Thomas Haden Church. The film is directed by Andrew Stanton.