Published by on

It’s no secret that Jennifer Hudson has a powerful voice that can shake an entire room, and just when we thought that the 39-year-old Hudson couldn’t surprise us any further (remember ‘Dreamgirls’?), she drops a bombshell that’s worth getting exciting about.

That’s right – the American singer and actress will be starring as none than the iconic Aretha Franklin in a biographical film, “Respect.”

Don’t worry, we’re humming the tune of “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me” as well. So the title is quite fitting indeed.

According to Reuters, Franklin, who died in 2018 at the age of 76, handpicked Hudson for this incredible role – a recommendation from the “Queen of Soul”? Imagine that!

Hudson, however, mentioned that she felt as if she and Franklin had a lot in common.

“Our faith – that’s one. I didn’t realize she had the tragedies that she had in her life – that as well,” Hudson said. The film, she said, is “from the heart, and it’s a tribute to Miss Franklin, and I hope in the best possible way.”

Before her death, Franklin was in weekly calls with Hudson and wanted her faith to be the main theme of the movie, as Reuters adds.

“That was her base and premise, and that was the most important thing to me to remind everyone of and keep the context of throughout that process,” Hudson said.

“Respect” tells the remarkable story of Franklin’s life, and focuses on the obstacles as a child in her father’s gospel church choir to domestic violence and alcohol addiction.

The film also stars Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald, and Marlon Wayans.

Meanwhile, Hudson hopes Franklin, who is regarded as the most influential female vocalist of the 1960s, would be proud of how she is portrayed in the film, Access adds.

Have a look at the trailer over here:

Also read:

Winston Duke set to reprise his role as warrior Mbaku in Black Panther 2

Picture: Unsplash

Article written by