fbpx

Respect – A Biopic Of Aretha Franklin

Respect is a biographical film based on the rise of one of America’s greatest singers Aretha Franklin. Jennifer Hudson takes on the lead role, while the other cast members include Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, and many more. The movie is directed by Liesl Tommy and is set to be released on August 13, 2021.

‘Respect’ Movie Premise

Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin in 'Respect' Movie

Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin in ‘Respect’ Movie

It is one thing going from singing in her father’s church to becoming the Queen of Soul. And yet, that is precisely what Aretha’s career managed to accomplish—if not more. The movie outlines her story as a childhood prodigy from humble beginnings at a gospel choir in Detroit (Michigan) at New Bethel Baptist Church. Her father was the minister in charge, as she got her first taste of singing.

But things would not be so easy going forward. Aretha gave birth to the first of her four kids at the age of 12. While she was busy pursuing her aspirations as a superstar singer, her family took turns raising her children. At the age of 18, Aretha would go on to sign with Columbia Records.

Success was not immediate, however. She was moved on due to a lack of record sales. She then moved to Atlantic Records and released her number one single, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).” And the rest was history. And yet, as with all things, the fame started to catch up with her personal life.

Aretha married at the age of 18 to her first husband, Ted White. The relationship was marred by domestic abuse, which led to a subsequent divorce. Although she would go on to marry again to Glynn Turman, much like the first marriage, it ended on bad terms.

Aretha left behind a legacy that inspired future stars including George Micheal, Elton John, Mary J. Blige, and Whitney Houston. Respect attempts to pay homage to the superstar, who sadly died in 2018 at the age of 75.

Scenes from Respect Movie

Respect Cast

  • Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin
  • Forest Whitaker as C. L. Franklin
  • Skye Dakota Turner as young Aretha 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
  • Lodric D. Collins as Smokey Robinson

Respect Trailer

Are you ready for this biopic about the Queen of Soul? Tell us your reactions in the comments below!

Writer
About the Author
Hasib Afzal is a writer on a mission to give you a low-down on the best TV shows, movies and celebrity news. Dream it, believe it, do it. Follow me on TikTok below www.tiktok.com/@funnyart4everyone

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to top