Jennifer Hudson Needs to Find Her Voice in MGM’s Respect Trailer

May 19, 2021

MGM has released the official Respect trailer for MGM’s long-awaited Aretha Franklin biopic drama, featuring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. The video highlights Aretha Franklin’s musical journey into finding her own voice and becoming the legendary Queen of Soul she is known today. Initially set for a 2020 release, the film is currently slated to hit theaters on August 13, 2021. The said theatrical release date pits the film against tough competitors in the form of 20th Century Studios’ long-delayed action film Free Guy, and Sony’s horror thriller sequel Don’t Breathe 2.

Check out the Respect trailer in the player below, along with the new poster and photos!

The Queen has arrived. Jennifer Hudson is Aretha Franklin in #RespectMovie – In theaters August 13. pic.twitter.com/saukFErKZ6

— MGM Studios (@mgmstudios) May 19, 2021

Respect, a title based on one of the legendary singer’s most iconic songs, follows the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom. It is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to finding her voice. This marks the first authorized feature film based on Franklin’s life.

The film will be led by Academy Award-winning singer-actress Jennifer Hudson, who was personally hand-picked by Franklin to play her in the film. Joining her is Forest Whitaker as Reverand C.L. Franklin, Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Audra McDonald as Barbara Siggers Franklin, Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington, Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler, Tituss Burgess as James Cleveland, Saycon Sengbloh as Erma Franklin, Hailey Kilgore as Carolyn Franklin, Tate Donovan as John Hammond, and Skye Dakota Turner.

Respect is directed by Tony-nominee Liesl Tommy (Broadway’s Eclipsed) from a screenplay written by Emmy-nominee Tracey Scott Wilson (The Americans, Fosse/Verdon). Producers are Scott Bernstein (Straight Outta Compton) and multiple Grammy-nominated producer Harvey Mason Jr.(Dreamgirls), who has produced music for both Aretha Franklin and Jennifer Hudson.

The film will exclusively feature the iconic songs: 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; and Young, Gifted and Black. The film will also feature Ain’t No Way; Precious Lord; There’s A Fountain Filled With Blood; Amazing Grace; and Chain of Fools.