Jennifer Hudson Slays As Aretha Franklin In First Teaser For “RESPECT”

#Roommates, from the second it was announced that Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson would be playing Aretha Franklin in a biopic—we knew she would kill it. Now, the first footage of the upcoming film has been released and it is everything and more.

Before her untimely passing in August 2018, the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, handpicked Jennifer Hudson to play her in the film about her life—and based on the teaser clip just released, J Hud is giving it all she’s got.

The clip opens with Jennifer singing an acappella version of Franklin’s signature hit, Respect.” She is dressed in a sparkling gold gown with a 1960s-inspired short wig, as the word “RESPECT” lights up in the background.

The film has been filming for the last few months and has all-star cast that includes, Forest Whitaker, Mary J. Blige, Marlon Wayans, Tituss Burgess, Audra McDonald and Heather Headley. “RESPECT” will chronicle Aretha’s life from her beginnings in her father’s church, to her abusive first marriage and finally to her rise as one of the most iconic and respected women in music history.

The project is still filming, with early shooting taking place in both New York and Atlanta. It has also been given a prime awards season slot next year, when it is set to hit theaters in late October.

During her recent appearance on Kelly Clarkson’s talk show, Jennifer said this about being chosen by Aretha herself for the role:

“She’s an iconic figure that we all love and respect and admire. She called me and she was like, ‘I made my decision and it is you I want to play me. But don’t you tell anyone’… ‘Ma’am I won’t say a thing. I’ll do whatever you tell me to do.’”

We can’t wait to see it!

Roommates, what are your thoughts on this?