For quite some time now, there has been plenty chatter about an Aretha Franklin biopic coming to fruition. Only a year ago, reports revealed singer Jennifer Hudson was honored at the possibility of portraying the “Queen of Soul” on the big screen. Unfortunately, no further details about the film had been revealed. But in the wake of Aretha Franklin’s death, the highly anticipated biopic has resurfaced as a topic of discussion and reports suggest the timing will likely be much better now.
Aretha’s Request:
According to Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming film’s producers are already discussing how to move forward with its development. Although there’s definitely a lot that goes into the production of a biopic, there’s one part of the process they won’t have to worry about: casting an actress for the leading role. Longtime, legendary music mogul Clive Davis has revealed Aretha Franklin personally told him who she’d like to portray her in the biopic. The Queen of Soul handpicked Jennifer Hudson for the role. In January of 2017, Clive Davis shed light on Aretha’s request and reportedly released statements about the possibility of the film coming together in the near future. “Aretha personally told me that last week,” Clive Davis said at the time.
Definitely Movin’ Forward’:
Now, the film’s heavy hitting production team has released a statement confirming that the show will go on. He’s also shared details about the film’s developmental progress.
“Oh, it’s definitely moving forward,” said Harvey Mason Jr., a longtime music producer for Franklin who’d been working with the singer on the biopic for the past 18 months. “We are going forward and making the movie that Aretha wanted to make.” Still, as of this report, the project has no director, possibly no script (“We’re not really saying,” teases Mason.) and maybe no studio (an MGM rep will not comment on rumors that the studio is interested).
Aretha Made Plans:
According to USA Today, Aretha Franklin reportedly conducted more than 100 calls regarding the biopic. So it’s obvious she had a particular vision for the film and Jennifer Hudson is a big part of her plans. Harvey also recalled the detailed discussions he had with the singer about her biopic.
Franklin contributed her ideas for the film before and after the Hudson announcement. According to Mason, he and Franklin discussed many aspects of the movie right up to last week, during what he describes as “countless hours” of phone conversations.
Over an estimated 100 phone calls, they discussed “what stories she felt were important and what really made her who she is.” They also talked about which songs “were important to her career,” which ones “really told her story” and what should be included in the feature-length film.
So, how do fans feel about the biopic? Well, of course, there have been lots of opinions about it.
Skepticism From Fans:
As expected, the biopic news has garnered tons of reactions from fans of the legendary singer. While many are in agreement with Aretha’s selection, others are a bit skeptical and have taken to social media to drop names of a few other talented singers they believe could also do a great job. From Fantasia, Mary J. Blige and KeKe Wyatt to The Clark Sisters and Yolanda Adams, there have been tons of names floating around on social media. But check out some of the reactions to Jennifer Hudson landing the role.
y’all keep Jennifer Hudson screaming over an #ArethaFranklin tribute this year. pic.twitter.com/zIq8TF68zr
— “expensive” (@BLOWthisJAE_) August 16, 2018
Yall I love Jennifer Hudson but I seriously do not want to listen to her scream through an Aretha tribute. Please do the right thing and call Amber Riley. Please.
— KNTRY WIT A K 🤠 (@treasurxdawn) August 16, 2018
This is my list of 4 artistes for Aretha Franklin funeral tribute
– Karen Clark Sheard
– Yolanda Adams
– Fantasia Barrino
– Jennifer HudsonThese ladies are the closest in vocal delivery & 'slayment' to Queen Aretha
Who makes your own list?
— Clifford Enobun (@cliffordenobun) August 19, 2018
Even Audra McDonald spoke out about the starring role for the biopic. The Broadway singer/actress congratulated Jennifer Hudson on landing the role, but also reminded fans the Queen of Soul also dropped her name. The tweet also included the interview where Aretha Franklin discussed the biopic and explained why she’d narrowed the casting down to a select few singers.
https://twitter.com/AudraEqualityMc/status/1030802371654414336
You’re Gonna Love Me:
Although there are a few fans who aren’t totally thrilled about Jennifer Hudson landing the role, there are tons of reasons why she’d likely be a great pick for the role. Jennifer’s larger-than-life persona, distinctive voice, and knack for big theatrical performances seal the deal on many different levels. Her groundbreaking performances on American Idol opened the door for the role of Effie White in Dreamgirls. That iconic role and Jennifer’s stellar performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” set the tone for the singer’s mainstream career. With her award-winning Dreamgirls performance, you can’t help but anticipate seeing her breathe life into the role of Aretha Franklin.
Congratulations to Jennifer Hudson!
