Jennifer Hudson Handpicked by Aretha Franklin to Star in Upcoming Biopic
Jennifer Hudson will portray music legend Aretha Franklin in an upcoming biopic about the Soul songstress.
Clive Davis revealed the news Saturday (January 27) at his pre-Grammy party, where the singer performed a medley of Franklin’s hits including “Rock Steady,” “Respect,” and “Think.”
“When the biopic of the great Aretha Franklin is filmed next year, the artist anointed by Aretha herself to play her is the next performer. Aretha personally told me that last week,” Davis said of Hudson. “This artist to us is a transcendent performer. She stops any and every show she’s in. Her voice is truly incredible. When they ask, ‘Where’s the next Aretha, where the next Aretha will come from?’ I say it’s [Hudson]. She’s in the studio right now recording what I hope will be a classic album… she’s in the tradition of Adele, she’s a singer’s singer.”
According to Rolling Stone, it has been reported that the biopic has quietly been in development at MGM. Straight Outta Compton producer Scott Bernstein will produce the film alongside music producer Harvey Mason, Jr. Hudson and the Sing producer previously worked together on the 2006 film, Dreamgirls, which earned Hudson an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.
Not long after the announcement was made, Hudson took to Instagram to share her excitement with her 2 million followers. “And this guys ……. I don’t even know what to say …. look at God !” she wrote. “[Aretha Franklin] u have no idea how humbled , I am!”
Photo Credit: PR Photos
