Beyonce is Etta James?
Filed under: Music & Musicals, Casting, RumorMonger
With the spring start date moving ever-closer, we're continuing to get reports of who will play all the famous, epic music legends in the upcoming film, Cadillac Records. Just last week, I told you about the wonderful additions of Adrien Brody as Leonard Chess, and Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters. Now it seems that we've got some estrogen to add to the mix. While talking with Cedric the Entertainer (who is also attached), BlackFilm.com found out that Beyonce has been cast as Etta James.
James had found some success with Johnny Otis and Little Richard before finding her way to Chess in 1960 -- a move that put her name on the map. After starting with blues, Chess saw a future for her in the pop world, which led her to her first pop-oriented hit, "At Last." (You know the one.. Listen to it here.) From there, she dipped into musical worlds from blues to rock. (Well, "rock" as it was years ago.) Now, she's one of the big names from her era, so the question is: Is Beyonce the right woman for the job? She's a solid singer, but from all I've heard, their voices are quite different, as are their looks. I just can't see a surprising Val Kilmer/Jim Morrison sort of morph happening -- both physically and aurally. Maybe Cedric is wrong. We'll have to wait and see, but in the meantime: What do you think?
[via Empire]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
1-28-2008 @ 1:14PM
DAVID F said...
This is awful news!
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1-28-2008 @ 1:33PM
Terry said...
That is a terrible choice to me. I'm sure she will ruin it.
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1-28-2008 @ 5:52PM
MCW said...
Well, Etta James is apparently fat, old and ugly, so Beyonce could surely put on one of Martin Lawrence's old fat suits for the role. Beyonce has the voice down. I'm surprised you guys have 0 faith in her after the outstanding "Dreamgirls".
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1-28-2008 @ 8:16PM
John said...
Guess they're trying to get the younger movie goers. In my opinion, she is ok, but not believable in this role. I think she was the first one picked because she is a popular, sexy woman.
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1-28-2008 @ 8:19PM
John said...
Maybe Jennifer Hudson was to busy on the American Idol tour. Lauren Hill is forgotten name. Who would you pick for Aretha Franklin's bio?
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1-28-2008 @ 8:35PM
k4tuck said...
Whatever happened to using someone who matches the intergrity of the person who is being pro-traded?
Beyonce's morals are contrary otherwise!
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1-28-2008 @ 8:37PM
Gloria said...
You have got to be kidding me!!! Seriously, She can't act. What in the world are they thinking? And who's idea was this anyway? Did beyonce draw the short stick or something? Well, there goes the movie.
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1-28-2008 @ 8:44PM
Frank said...
An 'attempt' to redeem face after Beyonce's thunder was stolen by that amazing Hudson girl. She's trying to launce herself again in the movie world. Dear God !!!!!
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1-28-2008 @ 8:53PM
mommie said...
Etta James was not always old and fat. She still is not ugly.
Jeffrey Wright is a great actor. He can take any role and make it his.
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1-28-2008 @ 9:50PM
keith c beatty said...
all the negative comments. You really don,t understand acting it was Beyonce's role to play down and she made everybody a believer. She is a great singer and actress. These comments must be all women, the men love her.
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1-28-2008 @ 9:21PM
Baby said...
Good lord- please do not let Beyonce play Etta James. How about Jennifer Hudson even Joss Stone would be a better choice......
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1-28-2008 @ 9:25PM
Krista said...
I like some of Beyonce's songs, but she is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG for the role!!!!! What abut Queen Latifah? She has much more of the spirit and attitude of Etta James. Or how about a new face? There are so many talented actresses out there, I know anybody could play this role better than Beyonce. I'm sorry girl, but stick to perfume and music. P.S. Quit wearing fur!!!!
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1-28-2008 @ 10:25PM
eller said...
Nope. Worse than Diana Ross playing Billie Holiday or Jessica Lange playing Patsy Cline. Both aboved-mentioned ladies gave it their best shot, but, c'mon. Sissy Spacek nailed Loretta Lynn, Beverly Angelo BECAME Patsy.
C'mon movie-makers, stop trying to just make bucks and draw the crowds based on names; give us some real freakin' movies.
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1-28-2008 @ 9:21PM
jim said...
Where is Jennifer Hudson, now thats a lady with a voice, powerful and gives goosebumps, why has she not had a t.v. special, or in a another big movie to show off that powerful voice, come Jennifer, lets hear u again.....
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1-28-2008 @ 9:23PM
ren-ren said...
Etta James is one of the worlds greatest singers. She is still sexy at 70 years old and the weight loss( 200 pounds plus ) has only improved her stage act. I saw her at the Fillmore on 12/08/2007 she was onstage for 3 hours!!.When all the "others" have faded away Etta James will still stand tall as the foremost singer of her and or any era. Happy Birthday Etta.
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1-28-2008 @ 9:30PM
Scoopie said...
What an insult to Etta James!!!
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1-28-2008 @ 9:39PM
Dina said...
If anyone who feels thay Beyonce can play Etta James, you have yet to truly listen to Etta. Etta, and other women of her generation in Jazz and Blues, have never been given their due respect. To focus on her weight and age instead if her talent only proves that some commentators are shallow and musically challenged.
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1-28-2008 @ 10:42PM
Kiara said...
I think it's a terrible choice. For one, I think Beyonce is not a good actor. Two, her voice is too different from Etta James'. I think they should pick a fresh face.
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1-28-2008 @ 9:54PM
dee said...
I really respect Beyonce' for who she is and believe she is a great singer however, the incredible Etta James is not only a hot pistol but, also posses such awesome star quality that in my opinion, will be extremely hard to mimic. Perhaps searching for an unknown with a closer resemblance and vocal ability would bring more success to the role.
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1-29-2008 @ 12:23PM
Deya said...
How about Alicia Keys :)
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