A new teaser for the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic Respect has been released, and it confirms that Jennifer Hudson is not playing around. She confirms this with an outstanding performance of the Queen of Soul’s hit song ‘Respect,’ which Hudson performs as Franklin in the teaser.
It begins with the silhouette of a woman with a glamorous and glittery dress. She begins singing a slow version of Franklin’s hit Respect as the camera pans out and reveals her standing on a never-ending stage alone with a huge light display making up the title of the song. The song’s pace picks up and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson is announced as Aretha Franklin. The teaser information says “find out what it means” while announcing a 2020 release date. Check out the stunning performance below.
Jennifer Hudson is joined in the cast by Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Mary J. Blige, Marc Maron, Tate Donovan, Tituss Burgess, and Skye Dakota Turner. Liesl Tommy directed the film with a script by Callie Khouri, which will follow Franklin’s involvement with music from her earlier choir years up until the height of her fame.
The late Aretha Franklin was heavily involved in the project until her passing last year. Some of Franklin’s other songs that will be in the film are”I Say a Little Prayer,” “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman,” “Ain’t No Way,” and “Amazing Grace” among others.
Respect will be in theaters on October 9, 2020.