Burton will be a co-executive producer for the revamped mini-series, inspired by Alex Haley's novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family.

The actor portrayed a young Kunta Kinte in the iconic 1977 slave drama, and he's thrilled to be part of the new History Channel project.

He says, "My career began with Roots and I am proud to be a part of this new adaptation. There is a huge audience of contemporary young Americans who do not know the story of Roots or its importance. I believe now is the right time to tell this story so that we can all be reminded of its impact on our culture and identity."

The new mini-series will premiere in 2016.