Red Tails, George Lucas's much-anticipated Tuskegee Airmen film, is coming closer to fruition, with Terrence Howard and Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr. among those joining the cast.

The ensemble Second World War drama, based on the story of the first unit of African-American fighter pilots, is a longtime labour of love for the Star Wars creator.

"I've been wanting to do Red Tails for 20 years," Lucas said in a statement on Monday, adding that he was awaiting the technology to be able to realistically portray the Second World War's air battles.

"We've finally got the means to showcase the skill of the Tuskegee pilots."

In addition to Howard and Gooding Jr., the cast will include Emmy Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston of TV's Breaking Bad, performers Cliff (Method Man) Smith and Ne-Yo, as well as a number of up-and-coming young actors such as Tristan Wilds (90210) and Nate Parker (The Secret Life of Bees).

Anthony Hemingway, whose directing credits include TV shows such as The Wire, CSI: New York, The Closer and Battlestar Galactica, will helm the production, with a script by screenwriter John Ridley (Three Kings).

Lucas, who also has a story credit, will serve as executive director.

Though filming is expected to begin in Europe this spring, a release date for Red Tails has yet to be announced.

With files from the Associated Press