Jennifer Hudson Stuns As The Queen Of Soul In Aretha Franklin Biopic Teaser

Your first look at MGM's upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic, RESPECT, is here, and in the event you had any doubts that Jennifer Hudson could do the Queen of Soul justice, you could put them to rest.


Though brief at just 44 seconds long, the film's first teaser does more than enough. In it, Hudson appears in a gold glittery gown, singing out the very first verse of "Respect" before belting out the prominent chorus. With her demeanor fierce and her voice strong, that powerful word — the one that, in several ways, defined Franklin's nearly 60-year-long career — lights up beyond her. If anything, this first look is proof that Hudson, like all of us, wants her efficiency to be as show-stopping and iconic because the late soul singer herself.


While there's not a ton of statistics about the movie quite however, which is directed by Liesl Tommy, the teaser's description offers a succinct synopsis. It reads: "Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice."


While Hudson will, inevitably, be the star of the show, the cast will actually feature a couple of familiar faces. Set to star alongside the Cats actress is Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Skye Dakota Turner, Tate Donovan, and Mary J. Blige.


In addition, this won't be the initial time that Hudson's paid tribute to the legendary music icon. She honored Franklin at her funeral in August 2018 with a powerful and evocative rendition of "Amazing Grace," and paid homage to her again in March 2019 with a medley that aired on a TV tribute special called Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul.


Per Deadline, RESPECT will officially hit theaters on October 9, 2020. And with the New Year right around the corner, it definitely gives us something to look forward to.