Marvel's Black Panther news & update: 'American Horror Story' actress Angela Bassett joins cast

By Shane Olga Ocampo / Nov 21, 2016 11:11 PM EST
(Photo : Getty Images/FilmMagic) 'American Horror Story' actress Angela Bassett joins the cast of Marvel's Black Panther.

Angela Bassett, known for her outstanding performances on "American Horror Story," has boarded the cast of Marvel's upcoming film, "Black Panther."

According to Marvel, Bassett has been tapped to play Ramonda, the mother of T'Challa aka Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). The film will mark as Bassett's first gig on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She previously starred on DC's "Green Lantern" opposite "Deadpool" star Ryan Reynolds.

Bassett received critical praise for her portrayals on "American Horror Story," which gave her Emmy nominations in 2014 and 2015. Also last year, the actress made her directorial debut with Lifetime's "Whitney" - a biopic of the late Whitney Houston.

In the comics, Ramonda was introduced as the stepmother of T'Challa, whose biological mother died while giving birth. Ramonda's character was thought to have abandoned her child and run away, but it was later revealed that she had been abducted.

No official plot details of "Black Panther" have been released. However, cast member Lupita Nyong'o has revealed some bits about the storyline at Comic Con this year.

"The story is that the Black Panther's leadership is really threatened by two foes who come together, and so Black Panther gets the help of the C.I.A. and the Dora Milaje to try and defeat the enemy," the actress shared.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, "Black Panther" also stars Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger, Andy Serkis as Ulysses Claw, Winston Zuke as Man-Ape, Forest Whitaker as Zuri, Florence Kasumbas as Dora Milaje, Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead) and Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out). Joe Robert Cole and Coogler co-wrote the script.

"Black Panther" opens in theaters on Feb. 16, 2018.