logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson of 'Dreamgirls' Spotted for the First Time as Aretha Franklin While Filming 'Respect' Biopic

Monica Otayza
Nov 06, 2019
04:20 A.M.

Jennifer Hudson was spotted in character as Aretha Franklin as filming for the "Respect" biopic officially began.

Advertisement

It's officially filming season for the cast of "Respect," and fans were given a glimpse of Hudson and Wayans in action in New York.

The biopic follows Franklin's life in the 1960s and 1970s, touching on her personal life and abusive marriage.

Jennifer Hudson on-stage | Source: Getty Images/GlobalImagesUkraine

Jennifer Hudson on-stage | Source: Getty Images/GlobalImagesUkraine

The First Glimpse Into the Movie

The 38-year-old singer transformed into Aretha Franklin while filming in New York City over the weekend, taking fans back to Harlem in 1966 to show a glimpse into the late Queen of Soul's life back then.

With Hudson on the scene was her co-star and on-screen husband, Marlon Wayans, who plays Aretha's first husband, Ted White, whom she married at the age of 19.

Advertisement

Awaiting August 2020

At one point in the scene, Wayans' character was seen collecting money from prostitutes while Jennifer looked on from the passenger seat of the car. Another video shows Hudson and Wayans sharing a kiss in the car.

The "Respect" biopic hits theaters in August 2020, and is directed by Liesl Tommy, who is known for her work in "Jessica Jones" and "The Walking Dead." This is the first time she is directing on the big screen.

Advertisement

The "Respect" Cast

Advertisement

Along with Hudson and Wayans, Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald, two-time Oscar nominee Mary J. Blige, Broadway actors Saycon Sengbloh and Hailey Kilgore, Marc Maron, Tate Donavan, Tituss Burgess, and Skye Dakota Turner will play supporting roles on the film.

It was previously revealed that Aretha Franklin herself handpicked Jennifer Hudson to play her in the biopic before her death, which is why the American Idol alum is "humbled" that she was given the opportunity to play the Queen of Soul.

Advertisement

Featuring Aretha's Songs

The biopic follows Franklin's life in the 1960s and 1970s, touching on her personal life and abusive marriage, featuring her best songs, including "Respect," "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."

It will also feature "Ain’t No Way," "Precious Lord," "There’s a Fountain Filled With Blood," "Amazing Grace" and "Chain of Fools."

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

‘Dirty Dancing’ Stars Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze Were Like ‘Oil and Water’ — How Their Kids Would Have Looked via AI

November 28, 2023

Fans Amazed at 'Happy Days' Star Anson Williams Who's 'A Hunk' at 74 with Graying Hair & Glasses — Photo

December 14, 2023

Jennifer Aniston Flaunts Huge Diamond Ring as She ‘Looks like Herself Again’ in Sparkling Silver Gown

February 25, 2024

Jennifer Aniston Flaunts Diamond Ring, Sparking Engagement Rumors: Who’s the Man She Was Last Seen on a Date With?

February 26, 2024

‘We Just Started Bawling’: Kate Hudson Shares Tearful Reconnection with Estranged Siblings

January 17, 2024

Michael Jackson’s Nephew 'Has His Uncle down Pat' Dancing Like the King of Pop: ‘Brought Me to Tears’

December 09, 2023

After Wife's Demise, Widower Finds Out They've Been Divorced for More than 20 Years – Story of the Day

January 17, 2024

How Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston's Son & Daughter Would Look If They Ever Had Kids — Photos via Al

February 02, 2024

How Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston's Son & Daughter Would Look If They Ever Had Kids — Photos via Al

December 13, 2023

This Man Stood in for His Famous Actress Wife When She Got Her Citizenship - After Marrying Him She Intentionally Kept a Low Profile

February 26, 2024

Couple Adopts a 6-year-old Boy, Finds Him Nursing a Strange Baby in His Room the Next Day – Story of the Day

March 13, 2024

This Xmas Hitmaker Hid Relationship from ‘Authoritarian’ Parents & When Partner Died, Mom Was His Main Supporter

November 13, 2023

After Wife's Death, Widower Finds Out They've Been Divorced for More than 20 Years – Story of the Day

November 03, 2023

Goldie Hawn's Two Children Were Denied by Their Biological Dad despite His Next Wife’s Attempts to Reconcile the Families

December 28, 2023