It would only be right that anyone who plays Aretha Franklin do so laudably. Hence award-winning singer and actress, Jennifer Hudson.

In a preview for the upcoming biopic of the legendary singer’s life, “Respect,” Hudson dons a shimmering gold dress as she sings the lyrics a cappella that America has loved for decades. “What you want/ Baby, I got it/ What you need/ You know I got it/ All I’m asking/ Is for a little respect.”

The scene is restrained where the camera pans out to show Hudson as Aretha in front of a gigantic sign that displays the song title. The 44-second video clip of Franklin’s 1967 hit song is a prelude of the film that details the star’s life from her gospel (church) upbringing to her stardom as the Queen of Soul.

The MGM film also stars Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Mary J. Blige, Marc Maron, Tate Donovan, Tituss Burgess and newcomer Skye Dakota Turner.

Respect is directed by Liesl Tommy, and Callie Khouri (Nashville) wrote the script. Harvey Mason Jr. is a music producer familiar in working with Franklin and Hudson. He produced the film along with Scott Bernstein.

Other songs from the movie include “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Think,” “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,” “Spanish Harlem,” “Young, Gifted and Black,” “Ain’t No Way,” “Precious Lord,” “There’s a Fountain Filled With Blood,” “Amazing Grace” and “Chain of Fools.”

Franklin always voiced Hudson as her choice to play her in a biopic, and was involved with the project from the beginning.

Respect is set to hit theaters on Oct. 9, 2020.

By BSM Team

Feature photo: MGM