Beyonce steps into Etta James’ shoes for Cadillac Records

Movies News

By M&C Movie News Feb 20, 2008, 13:51 GMT

Music diva Beyonce Knowles has signed on to star as Etta James for Darnell Martin’s upcoming Cadillac Records for Sony BMG Films. The singer will also serve as an executive producer on the film. Beyonce - 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals - Staples Center - Los Angeles, CA USA © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Beyonce - 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals - Staples Center - Los Angeles, CA USA © Chris Hatcher / PR PhotosSet in the 1950s, the film follows the Chicago record company Chess Records and its founder, Leonard Chess. The movie will chronicle the lives of the label's music icons - including Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf and Chuck Berry, according to The Hollywood Reporter.Martin (Their Eyes Were Watching God) wrote the screenplay. The film is being produced by Sony BMG's Andrew Lack and Sofia Sondervan.In addition to Knowles, the film will feature performances from Adrien Brody (Chess), Jeffrey Wright (Waters), Cedric the Entertainer (Willie Dixon) and Columbus Short (Little Walter). It will also star Emmanuelle Chriqui and Tammy Blanchard.The film’s music is being produced by Steve Jordan (Cars, The Sopranos), and will feature Knowles on four of the soundtrack’s songs. The soundtrack will be released through Music World Entertainment and Columbia Records.