Beyonce Cast as Etta James in Sony's 'Cadillac Records'

According to BlackFilm.com:  Beyonce has been cast to play famed singer Etta James on Darnell Martin's (Their Eyes Were Watching God) next film, Cadillac Records along with Cedric the Entertainer and Adrien Brody (replacing Matt Dillon) as Leonard Chess, the founder of Chess Records. 

Dillon had to drop out of the project due to a scheduling conflict. Jeffrey Wright will portray Muddy Waters in the film set in 1950s Chicago. Also new to the cast are Emmanuelle Chriqui, Columbus Short and Tammy Blanchard.

The article states: The story is about Leonard Chess, the legendary founder of the South Side Chicago blues label Chess Records. The period piece follows the rise and fall of Chess Records, which launched the careers of such R&B greats as Muddy Waters, Etta James and Chuck Berry. Chess, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, scoured the South, checking out the various blues scenes and selling records from the back of his Cadillac. Cedric the Entertainer will play Willie Dixon, who wrote most of the hits records and was part of the famous company. One of his most famous songs was 'Hoochie Coochie Man.'

Darnell Martin penned the script and is directing. Sony/BMG's Sofia Sondervan and Andrew Lack are producing.