Deadline is reporting that Jennifer Hudson is set to take on the role of Aretha Franklin for a new biopic about the life of the Queen of Soul.
The news was announced at a pre-Grammys party this past weekend by Clive Davis, who has enjoyed a long working relationship with Franklin, whose classics include hits such as ‘Think’ and ‘Respect’. Apparently, Franklin hand-picked Hudson, a Grammy and Academy Award winner, for the role.
According to the outlet, the film will be financed by MGM, with Scott Bernstein (Straight Outta Compton) producing alongside Harvey Mason Jr., a music producer who has worked with Franklin, as well as producing music for Dreamgirls, which saw Hudson receiving an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
