The biopic Respect about the life of famous singer Aretha Franklin was premiered last month, after not being possible in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The film “follows the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom”. It begins with Franklin just before she turns 10 and ends with the recording of her “Amazing Grace” record and documentary in 1972 at 29.

The two-time Grammy winner singer and Oscar-winning actress, Jennifer Hudson stars as Aretha Franklin. She was selected by the ‘Queen of Soul’ herself, before she died in 2018 to play her. Hudson is joined by a cast that includes Forest Whitaker as the Rev. C.L. Franklin, Marlon Wayans as his husband, Audra McDonald, and Mary J. Blige, among others.

“Telling the story through the lens of Franklin’s life in the church”

Hudson pointed out that she “draw from the Christian faith for the character and for myself to lead me through this project”. “Faith is always the base for me, and obviously, I truly believe it as a base for her as well”, she told news US website Christian Post.

According to Wayans, his character “is the romantic lead, yet the villain. I found it challenging”. He hopes the film could help viewers to know that “God is not trying to break you. He's only trying to make you. So stay strong and be grateful, even for the worst things that happened to you. Trust God”.

The film is directed by South African Liesl Tommy, known for her years of directing musicals. She told reporters gathered on set last January that her “premise of telling the story was through the lens of Franklin’s life in the church”.

Tommy also explained that it was key for her to portray “the importance of faith during times of struggle”, because she grew up during apartheid.

European release dates

The film has already been released in some European countries such as Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Denmark.

It will soon premier in the UK (10 September), Bulgaria (17 September), Spain (24 September), Italy (10 October) and Germany (2 December).