The undisputed Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has had an illustrious career spanning six decades, nearly countless awards, and a trove of engrossing stories to go with it. Now, Franklin’s long-anticipated biographical film is finally near fruition, she told The Associated Press late last week during her swanky 74th birthday celebration at the Ritz-Carlton in New York.
“Good news, we’re ready to sign for the movie,” Franklin said about her biopic that she’s been working on with “Straight Outta Compton” producer Scott Bernstein. “We’ve agreed on all the key points. There’s very little left now [to negotiate], very little. They have given me creative control and that’s all I wanted.”
The film has been in various forms of development since 2011, when Halle Berry was attached to play the soul singer. Now reports set Jennifer Hudson as the leading contender for the role.
Let’s hope filmmakers give Franklin the R-E-S-P-E-C-T she deserves so audiences can finally be treated to this movie!