Hudson may take flight with 'Winged Creatures'

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-03-30 09:30

Former "American Idol" contestant Jennifer Hudson is seen at the Grammy Awards in February 2007. [AFP]

Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar last month for her debut performance in Dreamgirls, is in talks to join the all-star cast of the drama Winged Creatures.

The film already has attracted this year's best actor Oscar winner, Forest Whitaker, and nominee Jackie Earle Haley as well as Kate Beckinsale, Guy Pearce and Dakota Fanning, among others.

The story revolves around the witnesses to a murder-suicide in a fast-food restaurant as they cope with the aftermath of the incident and how they affect the people who help them along the way.

Hudson's deal is far from a sure thing, though, as she is in the midst of recording an album and scheduling is an issue. She is recording in Atlanta for a fall release, and the film is due to start shooting next week in Los Angeles. Still, the active talks point to an acting career beyond Dreamgirls for Hudson, whose well-known rags-to-riches story includes going from American Idol castoff to Oscar winner.