Annette Bening joins cast of 'Captain Marvel'

May 10 (UPI) -- Annette Bening has been cast in Marvel's upcoming superhero epic Captain Marvel starring Brie Larson, their first film featuring a female lead.

Bening's exact role in the film is unknown but The Hollywood Reporter noted that scientist is in her job description.

Bening joins a cast that also includes Samuel L. Jackson reprising his Marvel role as Nick Fury, Jude Law, Gemma Chan and Ben Mendelsohn as the film's villain. Djimon Hounsou and Lee Pace will also be featured, reprising their villainous roles from Guardians of the Galaxy.

Captain Marvel, from directing duo Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, with a script by Nicole Perlman, takes place in the '90s before the events of Iron Man which kicked off the Marvel cinematic universe in 2008.

Larson will be seen obtaining her superpowers after fusing with an alien. The character was teased during the end-credits scene of the recently released Avengers: Infinity War.

Marvel previously announced that Captain Marvel would be taking on powerful alien race The Skrulls who are prominent figures in the pages of Marvel comics.

Captain Marvel is set for release on March 8, 2019.