Jennifer Hudson, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for her debut performance in "Dreamgirls," is in talks to join the all-star cast of the drama "Winged Creatures," being directed by Rowan Woods.

"Creatures" 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 for Arista Records 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.

Venus Johnston has a great job, a beautiful home, and a loving live-in boyfriend named Clint, who happens to be a drop-dead gorgeous doctor. She also has a weekly beauty-parlor date with Tina, who keeps her long, processed hair slick and straight. Ever since childhood, the tedious hours in the salon and harsh, burning chemicals have grated on Venus, and increasingly, she dreams of cutting off her beautiful “good” hair. When her boyfriend keeps balking at commitment, and the thought of another hour at the salon is just too much, Venus decides to give it up—all of it. She trades in the long hair for a dramatically short, natural cut, and sends Clint packing. It’s a bold declaration of independence, and one that has effects she never could have imagined. With wit, resilience, and a lot of determination, Venus finally learns what true happiness is...on her own terms. It’s a delicious story told with savvy and humor—a novel that marks the debut of a fresh new voice in fiction.

Buy Nappily Ever After: A Novel

Labels: Halle Berry, Jennifer Hudson