Lucy Liu joins Samuel L. Jackson in `Afro Samurai'

The 39-year-old actress will lend her voice to "Afro Samurai: Resurrection," a two-hour sequel to the animated series starring Samuel L. Jackson, Spike TV announced Thursday.

Liu will play Sio, a seductive and sadistic mastermind out to destroy Jackson's samurai.

"When we first created the character of Sio, we knew that Lucy Liu would be perfect for the role," said executive producer Leo Chu. "We thought we owed it to ourselves to at least ask her, never dreaming that she would say yes."

Liu's most recent animated outing was in this summer's "Kung Fu Panda." Other credits include "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and TV shows such as "Ally McBeal" and "Cashmere Mafia."

Mark Hamill is also slated to star in "Afro Samurai: Resurrection," playing a servant and protector to Liu's character. The movie is set to premiere on Spike TV in January.

Spike TV is part of MTV Networks Group, a unit of Viacom Inc.