Usher and Eddie Murphy to join Beyonce?

April 12, 2005
Big Stars Attached to 'Dreamgirls' Flick
By Andrew Hartman, MovieMusicals.net
Status: Rumor From Valid Sources

Beyonce Knowles, Usher, and Eddie Murphy are all in negotiations for leading roles in the upcoming Dreamworks film, 'Dreamgirls.'

This leaves two other spots left open for leads: an unknown Effie, and a third starlet.

http://www.moviemusicals.net

Eddie Murphy? Who would he play? Jimmy?

---

Usher can't play Curtis, he's waaaaaaaaay too young. I'm sure he's in talks for C.C. I'll bet Jaime Foxx gets Curtis.

---

And about JAmie Foxx - its unlikely at this point that he'll be in the cast (I think Will Smith will replace) because his demands are OUTRAGEOUS. Especially in a film that they want to spread the talent throughout.

To check out Poland's blind item, go here http://www.thehotbutton.com/today/hot.button/index.html

Just because you haven't heard him sing doesn't mean he can't - look at CZJ. He's been around the music industry, I'm sure he can carry a tune.

But alas, the argument doesn't even need to continue. I e-mailed Poland and he said I was wrong

So if that actually means it is Eddie Murphy, then i'm going to cry because he might be actually able to ruin this entire movie on his own. he's got NO business being there.

"The guy over at moviemusicals.net" would be myself.

And yes, it is Eddie Murphy.

---

nm

---

Updated On: 4/15/05 at 10:11 AM

With Usher, Eddie and Beyonce on-board, I have a feeling that Queen Latifah will be approached to play Effie. This is turning out to be a farce and the movie hasn't even been made yet.

Sorry to suggest that you were defending Murphy, but now I'll refute your points about comparing the stardom of the three gentlemen mentioned.

First off, other than Shrek, when was the last time Eddie Murphy had a hit? Dr. Dolittle? Is that the Dreamgirls audience? Hardly.

The man has never been known for any sort of dramatic skills, and I suppose the same can be said for Foxx, but he had at least worked with Oliver Stone in Any Given Sunday before his big rise to fame this year. And yes, it is significant that Foxx is now an Academy Award winner. While he has not been a star for long, that doesn't matter in Hollywood. Filmgoers and producers alike would rather see a hot young thang, like Foxx, over someone who keeps making goofy comedies for paychecks well into his 40s (like Murphy).

In terms of years in the business, Will Smith helped bring rap music into the mainstream - he is a pop culture icon. He was also the first rap artist to make a significant crossover into the world of acting. His film career, while not spanning the time period of Eddie Murphy's, more than surpasses Murphy's credits in terms of range and role choices - from the confused con artist of Six Degrees of Separation, to the physicality and historical weight of Ali, to the romantic comedy of Hitch, to the broad comedy of Men in Black, to the summer blockbuster stardom of Independence Day.

You just can't say the same for Eddie Murphy. The man is a has-been, and I hope that this project will be a resounding success - nothing in his past or present makes me think that he will help that.

EDIT: I'd also like it to be known that I am not a huge Foxx fan. I thought he gave a remarkable performance in Ray, but not one that I was blown away by or that I thought changed the face of acting. But, in my opinion, he is undeniably more talented and more of a star than Eddie Murphy, and I'd much rather see him in this film than Mr. Murphy.

Updated On: 4/15/05 at 10:45 AM

I do agree with most of matheaterlover's points. but at the same time i do believe that we should give our actors a chance. has been or not. i really dont know what role he would play. i guess he's being approached for curtis, but i think will smith would act the role a little better. but no one knows so we'll all see.i do think usher could play cc and jamie should be jimmy.
and i think the point justice is trying to make is eddie murphy is a legend. jamie foxx has a long way to go to reach that status.

---

Updated On: 4/15/05 at 10:57 AM

Eddie Murphy I like and think he would do a good job

Usher needs to stay away from this movie (I can't STAND him)

Beyonce.....as long as she is not Effie, I have no problem.

---

Foxx - Curtis
Usher - CC
Murphy - Jimmy

HOPEFULLY, this is what they were thinking.

Foxx can play dramatic, and sings smoothly, and his just about the right age.

Usher is young, like CC, and also has that smooth voice, and he looks like a CC.

Murphy is the right age for Jimmy, and legend or not, he is a has-been, just like Jimmy. Yes, Jimmy should be played by a singer, I'm thinking they're going to make Jimmy just amazingly obnoxious and cut his ballad (I Want You Baby), which leaves all of his shrieking songs. (I do like those shrieking songs, though). Murphy will get away with his passable singing voice.
Besides, he has undeniable charisma, which Jimmy needs.

I can see this working. Condon won't take any HUGE chances with casting, as he wants this to be a blockbuster.

Now the pivotal part of Effie needs to be cast, and I'm sure there will be HELL with WHOEVER gets cast.

---

Foxx's salary demands were outrageous. Apparently he is no longer being considered. Beyonce is close to signing and I think the talk about Usher and Murphy is pure speculation at this point, though I think Condon is smart to try to get name actors. DREAMGIRLS isn't that well known a property, and they will probably be casting a relative unknown as Effie.

I think its safe to say, that the film will be cutting some of the songs from the show and replacing others. It's perhaps not valid to say whether Murphy et. all can sing these roles, becasue its unknown right now what exactly the roles will be singing.