Respect: Everything we know so far about the Aretha Franklin biopic
Jennifer Hudson stars as the "Queen of Soul" in the lead role
Last updated 13th Aug 2021
Respect is an upcoming biopic about music legend and soul icon Aretha Franklin and her ascendancy from Church singer into becoming the famed "Queen of Soul".
The upcoming film, directed by Liesl Tommy, will star musicians Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige who are expected to bring to life many of Aretha Franklin's most iconic songs including 'I Say A Little Prayer' and 'Respect'.
Respect was initially set for release in 2020 but was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic and filming restrictions. The film will now be released in August 2021.
Here is everything we know about the Aretha Franklin movie, Respect...
Is there a trailer for Respect?
The original teaser trailer was released in December 2019, showing Jennifer Hudson as the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin. The trailer, which is less than a minute long, features a clip of Jennifer singing Aretha's iconic song, which the film is named after, 'Respect'.
MGM then released the official trailer last summer, giving us a greater look at the film.
When is Respect released?
The film was originally set for release in 2020. The trailer just says 2020, however a number of different publications said the release date would be 9th October 2020 for the USA,.
However, like many large releases, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Respect will now be released in the US on 13th August 2021, with the film being released on the 10th of September 2021 in the UK.
Who plays Aretha Franklin in Respect?
Jennifer Hudson plays Aretha Franklin in the movie Respect. Jennifer is an accomplished singer and actress in her own right and according to Deadline, Jennifer was handpicked by Aretha herself to play the lead role.
Jennifer rose to fame after being a finalist on American Idol back in 2004 and since then has starred in a number of films. Her first feature film was Dreamgirls in 2006, for which she won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Who stars in 'Respect'?
In addition to Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker stars in the film as Aretha Franklin's father, C. L. Franklin. The film also stars Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Skye Dakota Turner, Tate Donovan and Mary J. Blige.
What is Respect the movie about?
Respect follows the life of soul singer Aretha Franklin. The film starts following her as a child singing in her father’s church’s choir, to her achieving international superstardom. Based on a true story, the official website describes it as a "remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice."
Who will direct Respect?
Respect was directed by Liesl Tommy. Lisel is a stage director having directed many performances across the US. The South African-born director has lived in the US since she was a teenager and is best-known for her adaption of Les Misérables in Dallas in 2014.
You can hear songs by Aretha Franklin on Jazz FM.
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