MGM Pictures recently debuted the final trailer for its Aretha Franklin biopic, “Respect,” starring Jennifer Hudson ahead of its Aug. 13 release. The film, directed by Liesl Tommy, stars Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Mary J. Blige, and Marlon Wayans.
During a trailer premiere media event, Hudson, who plays the late Queen of Soul, opened up about how the two singers shared a spiritual connection.
“I feel like that is one of our closest connections is our faith,” she said. “Having that background coming from the church, which I completely understood instantly, I was able to draw from that, for the character and for myself to lead me through such a project. So, it’s always the base for me, and obviously, I truly believe it was the base for her as well.”
Hudson also spoke about the responsibility she felt to portray the legendary singer, who personally selected her to portray her in the film before her death in 2018.
“First of all, let me say you aren’t just gonna’ wake up one day and think you will be Aretha,” she said. “Do not be fooled. Aretha sent me back to music school. I’m in Aretha music school. I still get on the piano every day and I feel as though as an actor, if I’m going to portray someone who played, especially to the extent that she did know, ‘Jennifer, you better get over here on this piano and figure out something’.”
The new trailer gives a glimpse of the recording of Franklin’s “Amazing Grace” gospel project, which was released as a documentary by Sidney Pollock in 2018. Hudson expressed her appreciation for the new look at Franklin’s gospel project.
“It felt like church to me,” she said. “It helped me understand my church roots that much more.”
“Respect” will release from MGM Pictures on Aug. 13. Watch the final trailer below.
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