Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr. Fly With George Lucas' "Red Tails"

April 7, 2009 8:38 a.m. EST

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard score parts in George Lucas' upcoming WWII epic tale. The duo have joined the cast of the "Star Wars" creator's "Red Tails."

Previously signed cast members include Nate Parker, Lee Tergesen, David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Elijah Kelley, Andre Royo, Jesse Williams, and Ne-Yo.

The story, scripted by John Ridley ("Three Kings"), will revolve around the young pilots who overcame racial barriers to become the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American fighter pilots in the American military history.

Lucas, who is exec producing and financing through his Lucasfilm production banner, told Variety, "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. We're working on techniques which will give us the first true look at the aerial dogfighting of the era."

Anthony Hemingway will direct. Production will begin soon in Europe.