Jennifer Hudson Lands Role of Effie Dreamgirls Posted: Nov 19, 2005

It has been officially announced that Jennifer Hudson will co-star in DreamWorks Pictures’ and Paramount Pictures’ Dreamgirls. The upcoming screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical casts former American Idol finalist Hudson in the pivotal role of Effie.

Along with Hudson, previously announced stars of the movie include Oscar® winning actor Jamie Foxx (Ray, Collateral Damage), Beyonce Knowles (Austin Powers in Goldmember), Eddie Murphy (Shrek), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), and Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose.

Dreamgirls is set in the turbulent late 1960s and early 1970s. It focuses on the story of three women – Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyonce Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) – who have joined together to form a girl singing group called The Dreamettes. They are soon discovered at a talent competition by manager Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx). The ambitious manager offers them the role of back-up singers for headliner James “Thunder” early (Eddie Murphy). Curtis gradually takes control of the look and sound of the female trio, eventually giving them their own shot in the spotlight as The Dreams. As fame develops for the group, the costs associated with fame and fortune become more and more apparent.

Dreamgirls is being directed by Bill Condon from a screenplay he adapted from the stage musical's original book by Tom Eyen. Academy Award-nominated producer Laurence Mark is producing "Dreamgirls," and Patricia Whitcher is executive producing. The lyrics are by Tom Eyen, with music by Henry Krieger.

Dreamgirls is scheduled for a December 2006 release.