Jennifer Hudson and Director Liesl Tommy in ‘Respect’

By Audrey J. Bernard

  From Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures, In Association with Bron Creative and One Community, come “Respect” — the story about Aretha Franklin starring Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson who was handpicked by the beloved Queen of Soul to portray her. Aretha made it known that she wanted Hudson to portray her in the story about the legendary music star. She can now rest in peace knowing that her wish has come true as the actress of her choice will star in the role of the soon to be released biopic, “Respect.”

  The long-awaited movie star’s powerful story about her journey to find her voice in the midst of the turbulent social and political landscape of 1960s America is set to be released August 16, 2021. “Respect” follows the rise of Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom. The movie is characterized as a “remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.”

  Director Liesl Tommy makes her feature film debut with “Respect.” Tommy has an impressive track record. She is the first Black woman ever nominated for a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play in 2016 for Eclipsed, and is an Associate Artist at the Berkeley Rep and an Artist Trustee with the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees.

CREDITS: (Cast) Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin; Forest Whitaker as C.L. Franklin; Marlon Wayans as Ted White; Audra McDonald as Barbara Franklin; Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler; Tituss Burgess as Reverend Dr. James Cleveland; Kimberly Scott as Mama Franklin; Saycon Sengbloh as Erma Franklin; Hailey Kilgore as Carolyn Franklin; Heather Headley as Clara Ward; Skye Dakota Turner as Young Aretha Franklin; Tate Donovan as John Hammond; and Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington.