If you’ve followed the development history of the theatrical adaptation of Japanese manga Battle Angel Alita, you’ll know that it was James Cameron’s plan to make it a movie. The manga is a cult hit amongst western readers, and a niche title in its native Japan, where it’s called Gunm. Since Cameron decided to make four Avatar sequels, the project has been passed over to Robert Rodriguez, who is known for his oddball movies like Spy Kids.

Jackie Earle Haley will play some sort of “monstrous cyborg.” Given his penchant for portraying villains, safe bet is that his character will be a bad guy. He’ll join Rosa Salazar, who plays the robotic Alita, and Chritoph Waltz, who plays a crazy scientist.