According to Variety, S. Epatha Merkerson, fresh off her Emmy win for "Lackawanna Blues," has joined the cast of Paramount Classics' "Black Snake Moan."

She joins Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci and Justin Timberlake in the drama, directed by Hustle and Flow helmer Craig Brewer.

The pic is about a small-town girl (Ricci) and her relationship with a bluesman (Jackson).

Hustle and Flow producers John Singleton and Stephanie Allain produce. The pic is slated for a 2006 release.