American Idol runner-up cast in Dreamgirls
Filed under: Music & Musicals, Casting
After months of searching, the producers of Dreamgirls have finally found their Effie White. Though Beyonce has been cast in the Diana Ross stand-in role in Bill Condon's feature version of the Broadway show for, like, ever, up until this week there was no firm word on who might flank her as the Dreamettes. Now word is spreading that Condon and co-producer David Geffen have decided on American Idol season three finalist Jennifer Hudson for the role of White. Hudson is a relative newcomer to the discussion; ironically, the name most often bandied about as a candidate for the Effie role was the gal who beat Hudson on AI, Fantasia Barrino. As Lloyd Grove reports, Fantasia was at one point considered a lock for a role in the film; Denzel Washington reportedly directed her screen test, and even offered to do a cameo if she was cast. Speaking to the Daily News, Hudson confirms that even she was surprised to edge out Barrino.
"I was sure Fantasia got it," she said. "But they said they wanted me. They said I was born for this." We'll find out soon enough – rehearsals are rumored to begin in a couple of weeks. 
Indie Roundup: 'Sweetgrass,' 'Clarkworld,' 'Broken Embraces'
Shelf Life: Fight Club_thumbnail.jpg)
Watch: Famous 'Matrix' Scene Re-Created with LEGOs
Peter Jackson Says Spielberg's 'Tintin' is Done Filming, but...
Interracial Harmony: 'Ninja Assassin' vs. 'Blind Side'
_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-17-2005 @ 9:23PM
Fin said...
The Denzel Thing is Untrue:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-11-16-hudson-dreamgirls_x.htm?POE=LIFISVA
""Denzel has never been near the movie, much less directed an audition tape," says Condon"
Reply
11-18-2005 @ 11:36AM
nilblogette said...
I read that Jamie Foxx wanted Fantasia to be in it, unless that rumor is untrue too. I was never very into Hudson (sorry Quentin Tarantino).
Reply
11-18-2005 @ 10:12PM
Finished.Law.School said...
Isn't she illiterate?
Reply
11-20-2005 @ 5:56PM
Robert Hadesbeck said...
thank God Fantasia didn't get this role and ruin this movie!!!!!! Thank God some justice has been given to Jennifer Hudson!!!!!! She is purely AMAZING!!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!!!! I don't have to hear coarse screaming but I get to listen to a huge, soaring, chocolatey, emotional goddess sing the role of EFFIE!!!! GO JEN!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you!!!!!!!!
JENNY'S WORLD!
Reply