In the first teaser for “Respect,” Jennifer Hudson belts Aretha Franklin’s signature song for the new biopic inspired by the late Queen of Soul’s life.
“Respect” is directed by Tony-nominee Liesl Tommy, and the film follows Aretha’s rise as a singer, first in her father’s church choir, to how she eventually attains international superstardom.
Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Skye Dakota Turner, Tate Donovan and Mary J. Blige all co-star in the film.
Whitaker is playing Franklin’s father and McDonald her mother, while others in the cast are playing music icons, including Blige as Dinah Washington, Headley as Clara Ward, Burgess as Reverend Dr.