March 31, 2008 12:33

Mos Def to play Chuck Berry in new movie

Beyonce also starring in film about influential blues label

Rapper Mos Def is to play the role of Chuck Berry in 'Cadillac Records', a film chronicling the rise of legendary '50s and '60s blues label Chess Records.

The film, which also stars Beyonce as R'n'B legend Etta James, will see Adrian Brody take the lead role of Chess co-founder Leonard Chess.

Written and directed by Darnell Martin, the film will follow the lives of some of the Chicago label's famous artists, including Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf.

Slated for release next year, the project began filming in New Jersey earlier this month.

Mos Def has already hit cinema screens this year in Michel Gondry's 'Be Kind Rewind'. He previously starred in 'The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy' and has acted on London and New York stages.

Beyonce, meanwhile, has previously appeared in 2006's Supremes-inspired 'Dreamgirls' and 'Austin Powers In Goldmember', amongst others.