Aretha Franklin Biopic Trailer Details Film Ahead of Summer Release

American recording artist Jennifer Hudson stars as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in the new coming of age biopic premiering in theaters August 13, 2021.

The trailer showcases some of Aretha’s most well known classics that will be in the film such as “Respect,” “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel),” and “Think.” The cast includes big names in entertainment such as Oscar winning actor Forest Whitaker, comedian Marlon Wayans, and Mary J. Blige.

Jennifer Hudson expresses her gratitude for being hand-picked by Aretha herself to play this role saying “For her to choose me, I can’t even put it into words. I do not take it lightly. I just think it’s like a dream come true” in an interview with Good Morning America.

The film goes through Aretha’s life from childhood, singing in the church, to adulthood as a successful as a soul singer. Hudson went through much studying (from knowing Aretha Franklin herself) and training for this role. She learned how to play the piano, copied Aretha’s personality and mannerisms, but did not want to imitate Ms. Franklin’s singing voice, rather sing the songs in her own way.

The biopic has not yet been confirmed to be released on any streaming platforms.