Jennifer Hudson has taken on the role of a lifetime, portraying the late Aretha Franklin in the first teaser for the upcoming biopic Respect. The iconic singer passed away in 2018 from pancreatic cancer at age 76.
The 38-year-old Hudson, who won an Oscar for his first movie role in Dreamgirls, may once again be looking at Oscar gold for his powerful performance in Respect while showing off his incredible vocal ability.
The film, which follows Aretha’s incredible talents, personal life, and political activism, comes from director Liesl Tommy, who is slated for release on Christmas day, though that may change due to COVID-19.
First trailer: Jennifer Hudson takes on the role of a lifetime, portraying the inimitable Aretha Franklin in the first trailer for the upcoming biopic Respect
Oscar contender? Hudson, (left) who won an Oscar for her first movie role in Dreamgirls, may be looking once again at Oscar gold for her powerful performance in Respect while emulating Aretha (photo on the right in 1967).
The trailer begins with Franklin on stage, singing the lyrics to her iconic song Respect, along with flashbacks of Franklin as a child.
Franklin is also seen meeting with one of the most popular black singers of the 1950s, Dinah Washington (Mary J. Blige), as Franklin tells her she has released four albums, although Washington notes that she had no “hits.”
“Honey, find the songs that move you, until you do that, you’re not going anywhere,” Washington tells a dejected Franklin.
Respect: The trailer begins with Franklin onstage, singing the lyrics to her iconic song Respect, along with flashbacks of Franklin as a child.
Dinah: Franklin is also seen meeting with one of the most popular black singers of the 1950s, Dinah Washington (Mary J. Blige), as Franklin tells her she has released four albums, although Washington notes that she has had no successes.
Manager: There’s also a brief shot of Franklin meeting Ted White (Marlon Wayans), who would become her manager and first husband, along with photos of Franklin filming Respect in the studio.
Peace: There is a series of shots of Franklin acting, along with a press conference in which Franklin tells reporters, “You have to disturb the peace, when you can’t get peace.”
There’s also a brief shot of Franklin meeting Ted White (Marlon Wayans), who would become her manager and first husband, along with photos of Franklin filming Respect in the studio.
Franklin is also seen meeting influential music producer Jerry Wexler (Marc Maron), who produced other iconic artists such as Ray Charles and Led Zeppelin.
‘Aretha, you speak, don’t you? Not just sing? Wexler asks, when the singer replies, “I would like you to call me Miss Franklin.”
Talk: ‘Aretha, you speak, don’t you? Not just sing? Wexler asks, when the singer replies, “I would like you to call me Miss Franklin.”
A vision: the trailer alludes to Aretha’s huge popularity as she is adored by thousands of fans
On Stage: Trailer ends with more shots of Hudson (left) singing Franklin’s title song Respect on Stage
There are a series of shots of Franklin acting, along with a press conference in which Franklin tells journalists: “You have to disturb the peace when you can’t make peace.”
Franklin said that quote after offering to rescue civil rights activist Angela Davis in 1970, which made the news.
The trailer ends with more shots of Hudson singing the Franklin Respect title song on stage.
Powerful: Aretha’s iconic hit Respect was released in 1967 and has stood the test of time (date unknown)
Powerhouse: Jennifer shows off her amazing vocal talents as she takes on the role of the legendary artist.
Respect also stars Forest Whitaker as CL Franklin, Aretha’s father, Tituss Burgess as the Rev. Dr. James Cleveland, known as the king of gospel music, and Tate Donovan as John Hammond, who discovered Aretha when she was a singer. 18-year-old gospel.
Liesl Tommy makes her directorial debut with Respect, after directing episodes of Queen Sugar, Insecure, and The Walking Dead, working from a script by Tracey Scott Wilson (Fosse / Verdon, The Americans).
Respect is slated to hit theaters across the country on December 25.
Cast: Respect also stars Forest Whitaker as CL Franklin, Aretha’s father, Tituss Burgess as the reverend Dr. James Cleveland, known as the king of gospel music, and Tate Donovan as John Hammond, who discovered Aretha when she was a 18-year-old gospel. singer
I’m with the band: the trailer shows the musicians around Aretha who supported his talents
In theaters: Respect will hit theaters across the country on December 25
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