. Dillon had to drop out of the project due to a scheduling conflict. As previously reported, Jeffrey Wright will portray Muddy Waters in the film set in 1950s Chicago. Also new to the cast are Emmanuelle Chriqui, Columbus Short and Tammy Blanchard. Darnell Martin ("Their Eyes Were Watching God") penned the script and is directing. Sony/BMG's Sofia Sondervan and Andrew Lack are producing. According to allmusicguide.com, James landed at Chicago's Chess Records in 1960, signing with their ...