Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin in bioptic film ‘Respect’

By tsell on July 6, 2020
Jennifer Hudson
UNSPECIFIED – JUNE 27: In this screengrab Jennifer Hudson performs during the Global Goal: Unite For Our Future – Summit & Concert on June 27, 2020 in UNSPECIFIED, United States. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

Hudson belts out Aretha’s hit ‘Respect’ in the new trailer

By Trent Sell

The official trailer for the Aretha Franklin bioptic movie debuted on the June 27ths BET Awards ceremony. Jennifer Hudson, who stars as Aretha, belts out her iconic hit Respect in the new trailer.

Jennifer Hudson

Right away, the trailer grabs your attention and builds with excitement. Beneath stage lights and wearing a shimmering gold dress, Hudson belts out the lyrics to the song Respect, as a giant sign saying “RESPECT” lights up behind her.

The film will have a limited release on December 25, 2020, with the wide release following on January 15, 2021. The Liesl Tommy-directed film was originally set for release in August but got delayed due to the Coronavirus.

The Bioptic movie follows the journey of Aretha Franklin, from her childhood days signing in her father’s church, to iconic stardom. Along with Hudson, the film features actors Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Tate Donovan, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, and Mary J. Blige.

The movie finished filming in February, Jennifer Hudson had then shared her excitement for being picked for the starring role. Chosen by the Queen of Soul herself.

“It is officially a wrap on @respectmovie wrap it up, it’s done!,” she captured her post. “To overwhelmed to get into it right now but words can’t express how grateful I am to be chosen by the queen herself and to live out yet another dream! It was my honor , to honor the Queens request! The one and only Queen of soul.”
Aretha Franklin
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 07: Aretha Franklin performs onstage at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Commemorates Its 25th Year And Honors Founder Sir Elton John During New York Fall Gala at Cathedral of St. John the Divine on November 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Franklin lost her battle with Pancreatic cancer in 2018, passing away at the age of 76.

She left an irreplaceable legacy, obtaining 18 Grammy Awards and 44 nominations. In 1944, she was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor, later she returned to that stage in 2015 to deliver an unforgettable performance during that year’s Kennedy Center Honor.

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