Jennifer Hudson To Play Nelson Mandela’s Former Wife In ‘Winnie’

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Jennifer Hudson,Nelson Mandela,TV One,Music,Movies
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  • Getty Images

    Jennifer Hudson attends the 2009 Whitney Museum Gala at The Whitney Museum of American Art, NYC, October 19, 2009
  • Getty Images

    The lovely Jennifer Hudson attends the 2009 Angel Ball at Cipriani Wall Street on October 20, 2009 in New York City
  • Getty Images

    Jennifer Hudson and designer Donatella Versace looking pretty in pink at the 2009 Whitney Museum Gala at The Whitney Museum of American Art on October 19, 2009 in New York City
  • Getty Images

    Jennifer Hudson shows off her post-baby body at the Netflix outdoor concert and movie screening at Central Park in New York City on September 29, 2009
  • Getty Images

    Jennifer Hudson performs onstage during ‘VH1 Divas’ at Brooklyn Academy of Music, September 17, 2009

  • Getty Images

    Jennifer Hudson poses on the red carpet at ‘VH1 Divas,’ Brooklyn, Sept. 17, 2009
  • Getty Images

    Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga arrive at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California
 
 

FIRST PUBLISHED: November 18, 2009 9:21 AM EST

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Jennifer Hudson is heading back to the big screen and she’s reportedly taking on the powerful role of Winnie Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s former wife.

According to Variety, production on the movie will begin on May 30 in the South African locations of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Transkei and Robben Island – where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 long years behind bars.

“I was compelled and moved when I read the script,” Jennifer told the mag. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told.”

“Winnie” will be directed by South African filmmaker Darrell J. Roodt, whose past credits include “Yesterday,” “Cry, The Beloved Country,” and “Sarafina!”

Jennifer is also reportedly expected to sing the movie’s theme song.

Copyright 2010 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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