As we reported here, MGM‘s much touted Aretha Franklin biopic, ‘Respect,’ is coming together at quite a hurried pace.

Just five months after the Queen of Soul’s passing, reports surfaced Academy and Grammy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson would be assuming the role of the late legend in the film while lauded Broadway director Liesl Tommy has been appointed to helm and its script to be penned by Academy Award winner Callie Khouri.

Already in production, the flick’s highly anticipated premiere date has been revealed.  See it inside:

Premiere Date:  August 14, 2020

‘Respect’ will chronicle the life of Franklin  from singing as a child in her father’s church’s choir to becoming an iconic superstar and civil rights activist.

Tommy said in a statement:

“The story of Aretha Franklin’s journey from child prodigy in Detroit to international supernova is rife with struggle and triumph, making her life one of the great American stories of all time. As a filmmaker there is no greater gift than to be able to bring this transcendent chronicle of a woman’s fight for self-realization to visual life with the enormous talents of the soulful Jennifer Hudson, Callie Khouri, and our incredible producers.”

Hudson, who was handpicked by Franklin for the role, added:

“It is an absolute honor to be a part of bringing Ms. Franklin’s story to audiences who adore her around the world. She is one of the most iconic and talented artists of all time and what a dream come true it is to portray her extraordinary life on screen.” 

Musically, the project will also benefit from the talents of Grammy winning producer Harvey Mason Jr, who has worked with both Franklin and Hudson in the past.  ‘Respect’ is one of many theatrical productions set to hit screens in honor of the 17-time Grammy winner.  Click here to see the trailer for the ‘Amazing Grace’ documentary.

[main photo credit: Getty Images]

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