Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin. Image via Instagram @respectmovie
‘Respect’ is due: Jennifer Hudson stars in Aretha Franklin biopic
Jennifer Hudson transforms into Aretha Franklin for the upcoming biopic ‘Respect’ telling the story of the singer’s road to international fame.
Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin. Image via Instagram @respectmovie
Universal Pictures dropped the trailer for the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect starring Jennifer Hudson who brings both her strong vocals and acting to cinemas on 10 September.
The film looks at the life of Aretha Franklin who lost her battle with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer at the age of 76 in 2018. The film highlights the singer’s road to fame from her humble beginnings as a singer in New Bethel Baptist Church choir to her international claim to fame.
‘Bold’ Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin
Universal Pictures United Kingdom released the official trailer on 19 May. Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson will also take on the role of executive producer alongside Liesl Tommy, Sude Baden-Powell, Aaron L Gilbert and Jason Cloth.
Aside from the bold Jennifer Hudson, Audra McDonald is featured prominently in the trailer.
Watch ‘Respect’ trailer here
THE CAST AND CREW OF ‘RESPECT’
The upcoming film’s screenplay is by Tracey Scott Wilson and directed by Liesl Tommy. The story is written by Callie Khouri.
According to Deadline, Forest Whittaker will star as C.L Franklin, Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Audra McDonald will play Barbara Franklin, Tituss Burgess as Reverend Dr. James Cleveland.
Marc Maron will star as Jerry Wexler, Kimberly Scott as Mama Franklin, Saycon Sengbloh as Erma Franklin, Hailey Kilgore as Carolyn Franklin, Heather Headley as Cara Ward. Mary J Blige will also be seen on screens as Dinah Washington.
Skye Dakota Turner will be playing a young Aretha Franklin.
JENNIFER HUDSON ON ARETHA FRANKLIN
Jennifer Hudson tried to channel Aretha Franklin’s gentle personality during the shoot as she notes she is usually more expressive as a person.
“Aretha was a very subtle person. It wasn’t a lot of big gestures, whereas I’m far more expressive…. She had this presence but also this stillness about her, so I would tell everybody on set, ‘If you don’t feel uncomfortable when I’m around, then I’m not giving you Aretha at all,” said Jennifer Hudson to Entertainment Weekly.
