The live-action Battle Angel Alita film is collecting some serious talent, reminiscent of how Robert Rodriguez assembled some serious star-power for his Sin City adaptations. The latest actor to join the cast is Mahershala Ali, fresh off a mesmerizing performance as the villainous Cottonmouth in Netflix's Luke Cage. He's currently in deep negotiations but is expected to finalize a deal soon. Ali is reportedly up for the role of Vector, a "villain who runs and fixes matches in a gladiator-style combat game called Motorball."
Ali will join a cast that already includes Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jackie Earl Haley, Ed Skrein and Keann Johnson.
Rodriguez is directing while James Cameron serves as executive producer. Filming is scheduled to begin later this month for a July 20, 2018 release date.