'Alita: Battle Angel' release date and updates: 'Deadpool' actor cast in James Cameron's next movie

It seems that "Ghost in the Shell" isn't the only Hollywood adaptation based on Japanese material that is currently in the works. James Cameron ("Avatar" and "Titanic") is reportedly producing "Alita: Battle Angel" which was adapted from the Japanese manga "Battle Angel Alita." "Deadpool" actor Ed Skrein has recently been cast in a role.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Skrein will play the villain Zapan, who holds the Damascus Blade. He will star opposite Rosa Salazar who will portray the titular character, Alita.

Skrein has risen to popularity since he took on the character Francis aka Ajax in the movie "Deadpool," and he has proven himself to be quite capable when it comes to action scenes. Aside from his axe-wielding role as Ajax, he was also the chosen lead for the reboot of the "Transporter" franchise, "Transporter Refueled." Not to mention, he was also the original Daario Naharis in HBO's highly successful fantasy series, "Game of Thrones."

Aside from Skrein, "Watchmen's" Jackie Earle Haley has also been cast in a role. Not too many details were revealed about it but some assume that he is also playing a villain. Unlike Skrein's character, however, Haley's role will have a very CGI-heavy appearance.

Reports also say that the cast will include"Inglorious Basterds" star Christoph Waltz.

The movie is produced by James Cameron and longtime producing partner, Jon Landau. The movie will be directed by "Sin City" helmer Robert Rodriguez. Production is set to start this coming October.

"Alita: Battle Angel" is a story set in the 26th century. A female amnesiac cyborg is discovered in a junkyard remembers only her fighting abilities. She is then hired as a professional bounty hunter who tracks down high profile targets with the use of her special skills.

No release date has been set for "Alita: Battle Angel."