In the span of 44-seconds, Jennifer Hudson displays why she’s the perfect person to emulate the late Aretha Franklin on the silver screen. Within the upcoming movie’s trailer, the Oscar-winner performs an a cappella version of the soul legend’s 1967 hit “Respect” and sends chills throughout the body thanks to her powerhouse vocals.
Directed by Liesl Tommy and written by Tracey Scott Wilson, Respect will depict Franklin’s childhood, being raised in the church, and her journey to international fame. Alongside Hudson, stars Marlon Wayans, Heather Headley, Tate Donovan, Mary J. Blige, Tituss Burgess and more will appear in the feature film.
At age 76, the Queen of Soul passed away from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Her transition sparked a wave of tributes across the globe and articles that outlined her impact on various music genres. In an interview with Detroit Free Press, producer Harvey Mason Jr. said Franklin’s input in the film will continue to press on. “Going forward, what will be foremost in my mind is, ‘What would Aretha do here? What would Aretha want here?'” Mason said. “She will always be in the front of my mind as I make decisions on the film.”
Watch the trailer above ahead of the film’s 2020 debut.
