Beyonce of ‘Destiny’s Child: Lands Role In ‘Austin Powers 3’

Beyonce Knowles, one-third of pop/R&B sensation Destiny’s Child, is in advanced negotiations to make her feature film debut as the female lead in New Line Cinema’s “Austin Powers 3: Goldmember” for director Jay Roach. Production is scheduled to begin next month for a July 26, 2002, release date.

The project will mark Knowles’ second outing as an actress; she made her debut earlier this year in the title role of the MTV telefilm “Carmen: A Hip Hopera.”

The third installment of “Austin Powers,” written by Mike Myers and Michael McCullers, continues the adventures of the swinging ’60s superspy and his nemesis, Dr. Evil, both played by Myers. Myers also is said to be playing the title character of the villainous Goldmember, as well as Fat Bastard, a role he originated in the second installment. Last week, Michael Caine signed to star as Powers’ father in the third feature.

Destiny’s Child’s third album, “Survivor,” (Columbia) has sold more than 3 million units since its May release, and stands at No. 38 on The Billboard 200 in its 32nd week on the chart. Album cut “Emotion” jumps 37-31 on The Billboard Hot 100 and 41-39 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart this week.

— Zorianna Kit & Tamara Conniff, The Hollywood Reporter