Djimon Hounsou to Voice BET's Black Panther

The series will be adapted from Marvel’s Black Panther series, and as such, will be directed and produced by Reginald Hudlin, who also wrote the series. Denys Cowan BET Sr. Vice President, Animation will design.

Speaking of the character, Hounsou said, “It's a blessing for African Americans and minorities to have a superhero they can identify with.”

Black Panther will mark Marvel’s first prime time animated series when it debuts in early 2009, Marvel Animation President Eric Rollman told the trade, adding, “Djimon raises the bar for all involved as we bring the best in the animation business together to execute that vision.”

While the animated series itself will follow the early issues of the Hudlin-penned series, the comic book series is slated for a restart in February, and will feature a new, female version of the character.