‘Respect’ — Photos Of Jennifer Hudson As Aretha Franklin In The Biopic & More

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August 12, 2021 5:31PM EDT

‘Respect’ is a new biopic that chronicles the extraordinary rise of Aretha Franklin. See Jennifer Hudson as the Queen of Soul and more in our gallery.

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‘Respect’ — Photos Of Aretha Franklin & More

‘Respect’ — Photos Of Aretha Franklin & More
Quantrell D. Colbert

Aretha Franklin’s incredible rise to fame is being chronicled in the new biopic ‘Respect.’ Aretha hand-picked Jennifer Hudson to play her in a movie about her life. Jennifer, who already has one Oscar under her belt, sings Aretha’s songs live in the movie. The film begins by exploring Aretha’s troubled childhood and follows her as she becomes one of music’s biggest stars. Skye Dakota Turner plays the young Aretha and proves she is going to be a major force in the industry. The movie also stars Forest Whitaker as C. L. Franklin, Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Audra McDonald as Barbara Siggers Franklin, 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, Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington, Kelvin Hair as Sam Cooke, Heather Headley as Clara Ward, and more. See more photos of ‘Respect’ in our gallery now.

August 12, 2021, 11:52AM
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Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson
Quantrell D. Colbert

There was only one person Aretha Franklin had in mind to play in her biopic. She hand-picked Jennifer Hudson to play her.

August 12, 2021, 11:52AM
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Marlon Wayans With Jennifer Hudson

Marlon Wayans With Jennifer Hudson
Quantrell D. Colbert

Marlon Wayans plays Ted White in ‘Respect.’ Ted was Aretha’s first husband. 

August 12, 2021, 11:52AM
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Marc Maron With Jennifer Hudson

Marc Maron With Jennifer Hudson
Quantrell D. Colbert

Marc Maron stars as Jerry Wexler. Jerry was a prolific music producer who signed Aretha.

August 12, 2021, 11:52AM
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Forest Whitaker With Jennifer Hudson

Forest Whitaker With Jennifer Hudson
Quantrell D. Colbert

Forest Whitaker plays C.L. Franklin, Aretha’s father. C.L. was a minister and close with Martin Luther King Jr.

August 12, 2021, 11:52AM
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Hailey Kilgore & Saycon Sengbloh With Jennifer Hudson

Hailey Kilgore & Saycon Sengbloh With Jennifer Hudson
Quantrell D. Colbert

Aretha with her sisters! Hailey Kilgore and Saycon Sengbloh star as Aretha’s sisters Carolyn and Erma.

August 12, 2021, 11:52AM
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Jennifer Hudson Performing As Aretha

Jennifer Hudson Performing As Aretha
Quantrell D. Colbert

Jennifer Hudson sang Aretha Franklin’s hits live for ‘Respect.’ Her vocals are astounding.

August 12, 2021, 11:52AM
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Tituss Burgess & Jennifer Hudson

Tituss Burgess & Jennifer Hudson
Quantrell D. Colbert

Tituss Burgess stars as Reverend Dr. James Cleveland. James was known as the King of Gospel.

August 12, 2021, 11:52AM
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Skye Dakota Turner & Audra McDonald

Skye Dakota Turner & Audra McDonald
Quantrell D. Colbert

Skye Dakota Turner plays young Aretha Franklin. Audra McDonald plays Aretha’s beloved mother.

August 12, 2021, 11:52AM