The epic novel and subsequent TV miniseries "Roots" has been optioned for a reboot, and the first cast member has been announced for the lead role of Kunta Kinte on the show.

According to Deadline, the "Roots" reboot is for A&E Networks and will star British actor Malachi Kirby in the role of Kinte.

For those who are unfamiliar with the original miniseries from the '70s, which still holds ratings records to this day, the story is about a 17th century black man in Africa who is captured by white men and taken to the colonies in America during the slave trade.

Kinte's home country was in Gambia before he was captured, and now that he is on the long and tedious journey to America, he is one of the pivotal characters who attempts at all stops to gain his freedom, which includes mutiny during the voyage.

The story was originally a novel by Alex Haley, who wrote it as an account of his own family history, and the book was made into a miniseries broadcast in 1977, starring LeVar Burton ("Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Reading Rainbow") in the lead role.

The first broadcast of the miniseries drew in 130 million viewers, which is by far a staggering number that still holds in the record books to this day.

The story in the book and miniseries chronicles Kinte's struggle to survive and gain freedom many times over the years. It also tells the story of his descendants and their struggles over the following century, which took place during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

Kirby is an up and coming star within the film industry and is perhaps best known for his roles on "Gone Too Far," "My Brother the Devil" and "My Murder," according to the IMDb.

There has been no word yet as to when the show is expected to be released. It is due to start production in September.