Dreamgirls follows the rise of a trio of women - Effie, Deena and Lorrell - who have formed a promising singing group called The Dreamettes. Murphy has been set to star as superstar performer James "Thunder" Early, for whom the Dreamettes sing back up before they take over the spotlight themselves as The Dreams.

Murphy has earned Golden Globe nominations for his work in 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop and The Nutty Professor, in which he played seven different characters. He has also starred in such hit comedies as Daddy Day Care, Dr. Dolittle and Coming to America. In addition, Murphy provides the inimitable voice of Donkey in the CG-animated Shrek films, for which he has won an Annie Award and earned a BAFTA nomination.