Jennifer Hudson To Play As Nelson Mandela's Wife

Singer/actress Jennifer Hudson has been cast to play Winnie Mandela, wife of Nelson Mandela. The movie "Winnie" is planned to begin filming in May. The drama will be based on the Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob biography "Winnie Mandela: A Life."

The plot of the movie will focus on her involvement in the murder of a 14-year-old boy and her conviction of kidnapping and assault. Hudson told E!Online "I was compelled and moved when I read the script. 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."

There is no word yet on who will play Nelson Mandela in the movie. Hudson took home an Oscar for supporting actress for her role in "Dreamgirls."