MGM Studios has released the first trailer for the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic musical, Respect, starring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. The cast also includes Oscar winner Forest Whitaker (C.L. Franklin), Tony winner Audra McDonald (Barbara Franklin), Tony nominee Saycon Sengbloh (Erma Franklin), Tony nominee Hailey Kilgore (Carolyn Franklin), Brenda Nicole Moorer (Brenda Franklin), Marlon Wayans (Ted White), Marc Maron (Jerry Wexler), Tituss Burgess (James Cleveland), Tate Donovan (John Hammond), Oscar nominee Mary J. Blige (Dinah Washington), Tony winner Heather Headley (Clara Ward), and Lodric D. Collins (Smokey Robinson).
Liesl Tommy directs the screenplay by Tracey Scott Wilson. The creative team also includes Kris Bowers (music), Kramer Morgenthau (cinematography), Avril Beukes (editing), Ina Mayhew (production design), Mark Dillon and MaryBeth McCaffrey-Dillon (art direction), Sarah Carter (set decoration), and Clint Ramos (costume design).
Franklin herself was involved with the film’s development up until her death on Aug. 16, 2018. Filming began in Atlanta on Sep. 2, 2019, and wrapped on Feb. 15, 2020. After numerous delays due to the pandemic, the film is now scheduled to premiere in theaters on August 13.