The first trailer for Aretha Franklin biopic Respect has been unveiled, which sees Jennifer Hudson playing the legendary soul singer. The film was directed by Liesl Tommy, and Hudson was hand-picked by Franklin herself before she died in 2018.
The trailer is relatively brief and doesn’t give much away, only giving us a look at Hudson in character as the Queen of Soul belting out Franklin’s signature song. But God, she’s a bloody powerhouse in it.
Respect follows Franklin’s journey to stardom, from her childhood singing church gospels to her rise as one of the most iconic artists of all time.
During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show last week, Hudson spoke about Franklin picking her for the role. “She’s an iconic figure that we all love and respect and admire,” said Hudson, going on to explain that Franklin contacted her after seeing her in the musical The Color Purple.
“I’m still in shock,” she added.
Watch the trailer for Respect below. It’s scheduled to arrive in cinemas late 2020.
