Dennis Haysbert to replace Clarke Duncan in 'Sin City 2'

The "Sin City" sequel is working to bring "24's" Dennis Haysbert aboard as the lethal character Manute, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, the latter of whom created the "Sin City" comics the movies are adapted from, knew they couldn't bring the story of "A Dame to Kill For" to the big screen without him.

The role was previously portrayed to warm reception by Michael Clarke Duncan in 2005's "Sin City," but the actor sadly passed away in September at the age of 54.

"Manute is a character that has been part of the heart of the 'Sin City' tales, and the late Michael Clarke Duncan beautifully established that role onscreen," Rodriguez and Miller told THR. "We could not tell the story of 'Sin City: A Dame to Kill For' without Manute and are thrilled to welcome Dennis Haysbert to the cast."

"A Dame to Kill For" follows Clive Owen's Dwight and his dangerous relationship with a woman named Ava, whose husband employs Manute as his right-hand man.

The sequel is scheduled to bow in 2013, with Rosario Dawson, Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke and Jaime King also returning. Production on "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" is expected to begin again in earnest in January.