“Respect,” the Aretha Franklin biopic, opens in theaters Friday, Aug. 13.
It chronicles the story of Franklin’s life, which she kept private, in a fictionalized manner. Before you see the film, here are a few things to know about the PG-13 movie, which stars Jennifer Hudson as the Queen of Soul.
Jennifer Hudson got Franklin’s blessing to portray her
Playing Aretha Franklin was Hudson’s dream role following her Oscar-winning performance in “Dreamgirls.” She met with Franklin in 2007 to discuss possibly playing her. But she was one of several people considered. Almost 10 years later, Hudson received a call from Franklin.
“She told me, ‘It is you, young lady, who I want to play me,’” Hudson told USA Today. “She did remind me that she was the Queen of Soul and just as long as we had that understanding. I said, ‘Yes ma’am, I know my place, and I respect that.’”
Aretha Franklin’s family approves
Production on “Respect” began after Franklin died of pancreatic cancer in 2018. But the family has given the project their blessing.
The Detroit Free Press reported her family received it well at a screening.
“I really just want to thank Scott Bernstein for delivering what she asked him to do,” cousin and former backing singer Brenda Corbett said of the film’s producer. “I believe in my heart that he did exactly that. I’m proud of him, I’m proud of the movie, and I miss my cousin so much that it’s unreal. But I believe he delivered for her.”
That includes Franklin’s son, Kecalf Franklin, who ultimately gave the film his seal of approval. He’s usually not a fan of projects about his mother.
In contrast, the family didn’t approve of the NatGeo series “Genius,” which starred Cynthia Erivo.
It’s Franklin’s second on-screen treatment since her death
Speaking of “Genius,” “Respect” makes the second on-screen portrayal of Franklin since she died. “Genius,” debuted on NatGeo in March 2020. Like “Respect,” it was also filmed in Atlanta.
Erivo portrayed Aretha Franklin for four episodes. The series focused on the singer’s musical genius, career and her impact on music and culture. In addition to the Queen of Soul’s life story being told on TV and in film, her long-lost concert film “Amazing Grace,” was released in 2019. It had been shelved for decades.
Marlon Wayans as you’ve never seen him
Those who are familiar with Marlon Wayans’ comedic career know him from “White Chicks,” “The Wayans Bros.” and the “Scary Movie” franchise, to name a few. But Wayans is taking a dramatic turn as Aretha Franklin’s first husband, Ted White.
“I’m growing up, man,” he told WGN 9. “I’ve been doing comedy so long, but I’ve also been dramatically trained since I was like, 5. Like, I can do drama, yeah. Comedy’s just a lot harder. I like the challenge of a comedy. Drama? Man, we’ve all got pain. And when it’s time to let it out, it felt amazing. ... Sometimes you’ve got to prove to Hollywood, ‘Yo, I do this.’”
Jennifer Hudson felt Franklin’s presence while filming
Hudson told USA Today that when she went through dozens of period costumes and wigs, she felt Aretha Franklin’s presence. Hudson also felt the singer as she acted in history-making performances. They included one where the icon performed her hit gospel live album, “Amazing Grace.” In one scene, Hudson plays Franklin when she hits a low point with drinking. In the scene, she has a vision of her late mother. Hudson’s own mother died in 2008.
“I wanted it to be real,” she said. “And it was so raw, I couldn’t help but to relate to it: her loss, her story, it intertwined with my own in a way. So many pieces of this felt true to me.”
About the Author
