MGM and Bron Creative have finalized the cast for its Aretha Franklin biopic starring Jennifer Hudson, who will be in the lead role. “Respect” follows the rise of Franklin’s career beginning as a child singing in her father’s church choir to her international stardom.
Joining Hudson in the Liesl Tommy-directed movie is Forest Whitaker; Tony, Grammy and Emmy-winner Audra McDonald; Marlon Wayans; Multiple Grammy winning, and Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominee Mary J. Blidge; Tony-nominee Saycon Sengbloh; Tony-nominee Hailey Kilgore; Emmy-nominee Tituss Burgess, and Tate Donovan. Emmy-nominee Tracey Scott Wilson (The Americans, Fosse / Verdon) penned the script.
Production begins Nov.1. Pic will be released on August 14, 2020 with Universal handling overseas.