Aretha Franklin passed away at age 76 from pancreatic cancer in 2018. Now, a biopic about the ‘queen of soul’ legend is coming the summer of 2020.
Reported by Variety, Respect will officially drop on August 14, 2020. Jennifer Hudson who was, “personally selected for the role by Franklin,” will play the icon.
MGM set the project “in motion” a year ago when it was previously announced that Hudson would play the starring role.
Variety further reports that Thelma & Louise writer and Nashville creator Callie Khouri, is writing the screenplay for Respect, which highlights, “the rise of Franklin’s career — from a child singing in her father’s church choir to a superstar.”
Tradecraft’s Scott Bernstein who produced Straight Outta Compton and Harvey Mason Jr. who has written and produced songs for both Franklin and Hudson are producers for the film. Liesl Tommy will also serve as the director.
Jennifer Hudson recently performed at Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for The Queen of Soul, a tribute concert in honor of Aretha Franklin this past Sunday.
