Clint Eastwood - Eastwood's Mandela Movie Faces Hudson Challenge

CLINT EASTWOOD's NELSON MANDELA movie is facing some serious competition - JENNIFER HUDSON has signed on to a rival project about the former South African president's wife.

The veteran actor-turned-director recently wrapped filming on Invictus, which will see Morgan Freeman tackle the role of the legendary politician, alongside Matt Damon.

But the movie is facing a challenge from Oscar-winner Hudson, who has signed on to play Mandela's wife Winnie in a movie about the famous politician's longtime spouse.

Hudson admits she is delighted to have landed the title role in Winnie, which is directed by veteran South African filmmaker Darrell J. Roodt.

She says, "I was compelled and moved when I read the script. Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I'm honoured to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told."