Wendy Crewson for biopic 'Winnie'

Wendy Crewson has signed for a supporting role in forthcoming Winnie Mandela biopic Winnie.

Crewson joins Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard, who will portray Winnie and Nelson Mandela, in the Equinoxe Films project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Santa Claus actress is to play activist Mary Botha, who befriends the Mandelas during the fight against apartheid.

Darrell Roodt is directing the movie, which is being shot in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Robbin Island.

Crewson has also appeared in the films Air Force One, What Lies Beneath and Away From Her.