The city of Detroit was hit hard last year by the passing of Motown icon Aretha Franklin. The entire city mourned the loss of a legend as she was given her own street and Chene Park was renamed in her honor.
Today comes news that the remembrance of Aretha will continue. Oscar-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson is set to play Aretha in a new biopic titled “Respect”.
Hudson was hand-picked to play Aretha by the singer herself before she passed away.
(Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images)
When asked about the opportunity to play Aretha Franklin on the big screen, Hudson stated “It is an absolute honor to be a part of bringing Ms. Franklin’s story to audiences who adore her around the world. She is one of the most iconic and talented artists of all time and what a dream come true it is to portray her extraordinary life on screen.”
Also starring in the film are Forest Whitaker as Aretha’s father CL Franklin, Marlon Wayans as her husband Ted White, Audra MacDonald as her mother Barbara, and Mary J Blige as singer Dinah Washington.
The film is set to release on August 14, 2020.