The film adaptation of popular manga "Battle Angel Alita" has been drawing plenty of buzz since it was first announced. Recently, Jackie Earle Haley was rumored to be joining the cast of "Alita: Battle Angel" in a "key role." Now, Ed Skrein of "Deadpool" and "The Transporter Refueled" fame is signing on to the project as well.

Skrein will once again be playing a villain, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He's been cast as Zapan, a cyborg antagonist with a grudge against Alita. The specific plot of the film remains unknown, but it will be based on Yukito Kishiro's 9-volume manga series, which chronicles the adventures of Alita, an amnesiac cyborg with incredible fighting skill in the remains of a futuristic United States. She uses her enhanced abilities to make her way as a bounty hunter and track down dangerous cyborg criminals.

James Cameron is producing the ambitious live-action film, which Robert Rodriguez will direct. Already attached to star are Rosa Salazar from "Insurgent" and "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" in the lead role of Alita, and Christoph Waltz, best known for "Inglorious Basterds" and "Django Unchained," who will portray Dr. Dyson Ido, the man who discovers and rebuilds Alita.

"Alita: Battle Angel" is expected to begin production in October, with a planned release date of July 20, 2018.