Hot Topics:

Hounsou to voice 'Black Panther'

BET animated series adapted from Marvel comic

Barack: The master of TV moments

NBC orders full-season of 'Life'

British comedy invasion stalls

TV skeins hope for post-election bump

James Packer leaves family dynasty

Networks search for 'SNL'-style variety

ABC halts 'FlashForward'(2068 views)

'It' is 3D's lost opportunity(1727 views)

Fox unveils its midseason lineup(1492 views)

Swiss OK Polanski move to chalet(1287 views)

'Ninja,' 'Dogs' take on 'New Moon'(1212 views)

BET Networks and Marvel Animation have tapped big-screen thesp Djimon Hounsou ("Blood Diamond") to give voice to the title character in the cable net's upcoming animated skein, "The Black Panther."

The series will be adapted from six issues of the Marvel comic of the same name, which were penned in 2005 by director, producer ("The Boondocks," "House Party") and former BET president Reginald Hudlin.

"It's a blessing for African Americans and minorities to have a superhero they can identify with," said Hounsou of the character, which was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuted in 1966 in a Fantastic Four comic and later headlined his own volumes beginning in 1973.

"The Black Panther" is Marvel's entrée into prime-time animation, and Djimon raises the bar for all involved as we bring the best in the animation business together to execute that vision," commented Marvel Animation prexy Eric Rollman.