Corona | Coming Attractions

Lucasfilm has finally pulled the trigger and announced that filming on Red Tails will begin shortly. The long gestating project was originally conceived of by Star Wars creator George Lucas and centers on the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen and how they overcame racism and prejudice to become a recognized elite fighter squadron in World War II.

The cast is topped by Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire), Terrence Howard (Iron Man), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Nate Parker (The Secret Life of Bees), David Oyelowo (The Last King of Scotland), Tristan Wilds (The Wire), Cliff "Method Man" Smith (The Wire), Kevin Phillips (Pride), Rick Otto (The Wire), Lee Tergesen (Oz), Andre Roya (Heroes), Ne-Yo (Stomp the Yard), Elijah Kelley (Hairspray), Marcus T. Paulk (Take the Lead), Leslie Odom Jr. (Grey's Anatomy) and Michael B. Jordan (The Wire). George Lucas is the film's executive producer, John Ridley (Three Kings) wrote the screenplay, Rick McCallum and Charles Floyd Johnson are the film's producers and Anthony Hemingway is the director.

"I've been wanting to do Red Tails for 20 years, and we've finally got the means to showcase the skill of the Tuskegee pilots," Lucas commented in a press release. "We're working on techniques which will give us the first true look at the aerial dogfighting of the era. And our top-notch cast will really make this story special."

"I'm thrilled to have such a fantastic cast of actors and such a talented director to work with," added producer Rick McCallum. "The story of the Tuskegee Airmen represents a milestone in American history, and we're all proud to be paying tribute to their heroic efforts. That cultural significance is not lost on anyone in this great young cast."