Jennifer Hudson’s portrayal of Aretha Franklin in Respect a biopic of the late Queen of Soul, will finally hit the big screen this summer after several COVID related delays.
The American Idol season 3 alum told Good Morning America on Wednesday that her first conversation with Franklin, who died at the age of 76 in 2018, took place around the time she won the Oscar for Dream Girls back in 2007.
Over the years, the two spoke on a weekly basis.
“I feel as though in the midst of those conversations she taught me more about life while in the midst of teaching me about her life,” Jennifer said. “And when I got to portray her, that’s when I realized, like, no, really she was speaking from experience and it wasn’t just someone just telling you anything, but to know, like, those were words of wisdom coming from the Queen of Soul, you know, herself, and it kind of helped me embody the story that much more.”
“I can’t even begin to put it into words,” Jennifer shared with GMA about the movie finally coming out. “I do not take it lightly and I just think it’s, like, it’s a dream come true. I don’t want to sound cheesy, but it is.”
Jennifer’s Respect co-stars include: Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Tate Donovan, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, and Mary J. Blige.
Respect starring Jennifer Hudson will be out in theaters this August.
Watch the Respect extended trailer
Watch Jennifer Hudson’s GMA interview
