Henry Up For McQueen's "Twelve Years A Slave"

"Beasts Of The Southern Wild" star Dwight Henry has joined the cast of "Shame" and "Hunger" director Steve McQueen's "Twelve Years A Slave" says The Washington Post.

Set in the mid-19th century, the film tells the true story of New Yorker Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who was kidnapped and shipped off into forced labor. Eventually he was rescued from a Louisiana cotton plantation in 1853.

There is no word yet on what Henry's role will be.

McQueen and John Ridley (”Bobby,” “Three Kings”) wrote the script.

Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch Garret Dillahunt Paul Giamatti Michael Fassbender, Sarah Paulson Alfre Woodard Brad Pitt Ruth Negga Michael Kenneth Williams Chris Chalk and Scoot McNairy also star.

The film began production 2 weeks ago in New Orleans.