Dreamgirls Film Cast Takes Shape with Knowles, Foxx & Usher

The cast of the Dreamgirls movie is shaping up. Beyoncé Knowles is to play Deena Jones, Oscar winner Jamie Foxx will portray Curtis Taylor Jr. and Usher will take on the role of C.C. White in the film, according to Variety.

While Knowles is best known for her recording work both solo and with the group Destiny's Child, she has also been building an acting career. She played the title character in Carmen: A Hip Hopera, which aired on MTV in 2001. She has since made the transition to the big screen with roles in Austin Powers: Goldmember, The Fighting Temptations and the upcoming remake of The Pink Panther.

Foxx won great acclaim and an Academy Award for his performance as the legendary Ray Charles in Ray. His other film credits include Toys, The Great White Hype, The Truth About Cats & Dogs, Booty Call, Any Given Sunday, Date from Hell, Ali, Breakin' All the Rules and Collateral for which he received an Academy Award nomination. Foxx also starred in the popular WB series The Jamie Foxx Show.

Like Knowles, Usher who is sometimes credited as Usher Raymond is one of the most popular artists in music today. His self-titled debut album was released in 1994 and his first single, "Think of You," reached gold. In 1997 his second album, My Way, and the hit singles "You Make Me Wanna," "Nice & Slow" and "My Way" solidified Usher's position in the music landscape. His success has continued to grow as he has won multiple Grammy Awards. Throughout the years, Usher has also taken acting roles. He had a recurring role on Moesha in 1997 and 1998 and a brief stint in the soap The Bold and the Beautiful in 1998. The following year, he made his big screen debut in She's All That. His subsequent film credits include Light It Up, Texas Rangers and the upcoming Dying for Dolly.

Dreamgirls, which centers on the rise of a Supremes-like singing trio, features music by Henry Krieger The Tap Dance Kid, Side Show and book and lyrics by Tom Eyen.

The Dreamgirls film is being written and directed by Bill Condon. Production is expected to start in Los Angeles in January 2006. Though his casting is not confirmed, Eddie Murphy is being pursued to play James "Thunder" Early in the movie.