Yeah, Beyoncé (center) is great and all, but what really excites us at PopWatch about DreamWorks’ release of early backstage footage of Dreamgirls (shooting began last Monday) is the chance to see our girl, American Idol’s Jennifer Hudson (right), in full costume and wig as Effie. (Rounding out the trio is Tony winner Anika Noni Rose, left.) Go to the movie’s official website here, click on ”Video,” and click ”Behind the Scenes” to hear J. Hud and Beyoncé talk briefly about their roles, and catch a glimpse of Eddie Murphy in a full Little Richard pompadour. Priceless.
First Look: 'Dreamgirls'
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Comments (1-30) of 43 Add your comment
Anika Noni Rose was also in From Justin to Kelly – are we sure this isn’t just a no-talent talent show, destined for a snarky TWoP recap?
How imaginative! Have you seen Beyonce’s new video? Has she had some work done or what?
‘Bout time them sisters get some props. I’ll see it just for the subject matter. Okay okay. I’ll really see it for Eddie Murphy in the wig (he was great as James Brown in that hottub video), but will stick around for the hot trio…
jennifer Hudson was born to play this role, I was very excited to see her cast!!!
Beyonce is okay there is just something that bugs me though???
Nicole R. Steeves: So what if Anika did “From Justin to Kelly”? You know emerging actors have to be in crappy movies sometime to get their names out there. But the sister did get a Tony for being a wonderful and powerful performer in “Caroline, or Change”. Do some research before you start casting her out there with the bad performers of the world.
Finally they get it right. Hiring Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson was the greatest decision for this musical. Now of course Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy are gonna have their names over the title. Hopefully though, the credit will not matter
i hope jennifer hudson becomes a household name, she was one of the best in idol season 3. when i saw her at the idol concert, she gace me HUGE chills. if america gets it right, she’ll have a great future.
I’m so excited for Jennifer. I knew she was a star when I saw her on idol. Now she is surpassing the show. Good for her!
Beyonce will not be the stand out in this one. Watch out for Anika ans Jennifer Hudson. But Eddie Murphy, paleeze
Producers have to cast big stars to sell the movie (Murphy, Foxx and Beyonce) who although talented might not be the best for the part. But I am excited about J. Hudson. She was truly great in AI and deserves a chance to shine.
im so disappointed that beyonce is in this film– she’s not a good actress- she just has no depth to grasp this role & this film- this musical is too important to have subpar talents in it. i really hope she steps it up.
Ep- Yep– saw the vid too– check older picturs of her– she has totally had her nose and breasts dfone.
Those dresses are from Banana Republic.
beyonce can’t sing!!!! she is lousy actress too! she is awful, but i am glad that they cast 2 others that can sing.
Beyoncee’ needs to quit the ivory snow foundation on her face. She’s begining to look whiter than Michael Jackson. You go J-Hud!
Stop dissing Beyonce, people! She’s very talented.
Beyonce is talented but she is also a greedy,selfish and vain person too. I dont care how much “down home” or “earthy” qualities she purveys to balance it out. She has been “working it” and exploiting the lowest common denominator(the same way a street walker does) the whole way along. Anybody want to debate that? I’ve got TONS of examples of her “flesh peddling” over the last few years, and would be glad to share. I’m not judging, I’m observing. She needs to take an example from some class acts like Natalie Cole (who sings ten times better and is beautiful with balance) and Streisand (who has “done it all” and then some without over doing the “ho” thing or being sleazy) Jay-Z as a companion ?? (ex-crack dealer whose biggest selfish slimebag ambition is to be “big pimpin’”?)
I rest my case…
I am very happy for J-Hud – her Aretha song on AI was the absolute bomb! However, my girl Fantasia should be in this photo. In fact, I’d prefer her over Beyonce, but I get that they have to have a “star” (although why she is one is somewhat lost on me) to open the movie. Oh well, I’ll take my J-Hud fix anyway that I can!
Fantasia should focus more on her reading skills than trying to be in a movie…gotta take baby steps, gotta take baby steps
I swear I saw that dress at Banana Republic.
Did anyone listen to the trailer?
Is that Jennifer Holiday singing Effie song? That seems bold/strange to put Jennifer Holiday (the originator of the role, AMAZING) on the trailer and have Jennifer Hudson sing it in the movie.
I Think Beyonce, as Dina, will do a good job playing the selfish diva in this movie. Effie, played by Jennifer Hudson, is really the star of this show, so don’t be disappointed till we hear if Jennifer Hudson can act.
Oh, and hopefully this movie will have a decent director and a well adapted script.
Beyonce is drop-dead gorgeous, but whenever I’ve heard her speak, she comes across as not-too-bright (I’m being kind). Wouldn’t be surprised to see Jennifer Hudson steal this movie, because her role is showier, with the biggest song. I expect they’ll add dialogue, as was done with Rent. Don’t see it as a sung-through piece like the stage version.
Maybe it’s just me, but this does not seem to be a very good picture of Beyonce or Jennifer Hudson. Is that seriously the best shot they had?
Anika is an amazing actress and singer, blew me away in Caroline or change. Won a Tony for her role in that. Just awesome.
I just can’t wait. I think Jennifer Hudson is the secret weapon of this movie but don’t discount Beyonce. She is a natural performer and has kind of lived the life of the character as I understand it (more attention than the rest of the members, etc). Everyone in this movie is hungry to show what they can do and if ever a chance, this is it. I think the movie will be fire, but that’s what I said of Kind Kong too. Here’s hoping because I’m marking the months.
Anika was wonderful in the broadway show Caroline or Change. She has a powerhouse voice. I met her afterwards and she’s also very sweet.
This is soooooooooooooo great for Jennifer Hudson! I
stopped watching AI when she left. And with Beyonce,
even better!
Go J-HuD… I’m happy she got it! Great way to re-launch her career!
Fantasia is already doing her thing, she doesnt need this, but it would be a great bonus!
oh well they will be more opportunaties for both of them in the future
If I could buy stock in Jennifer Hudson I invest all I had. She is the Luciano Pavarotti of American soul/pop and I predict a household name after this movie, flop or not. She is incredible and I am teary eyed over this movie role which surpasses American Idol in so many ways. That is Jennifer Hudson’s voice in the trailer, no doubt about it. Powerhouse voice, could easily sing opera if she so chose, but nails soul. I have no doubt she can act but it doesn’t matter because her voice will win her fans who don’t already know her and the right song will take her to the top. I love her!
anika is an awesome actor with a surprising and captivating voice. her performance in caroline or change was just one of many heartfelt, honest performances in her career. unlike many other “stars” she is a trained theater artist which speaks volumes for getting it “right.” she deserves a break through role, and even though others are highlighted and featured, hopefully this will be the launch pad to catapult her success to the same sphere as her talent.
yes, this picture sucks – for all three of them actually.
While in LA to promote The Pink Panther, Beyonce talked about her next film, Dreamgirls.
http://www.blackfilm.com/20060127/features/beyonce.shtml