With critically acclaimed acting performances in television and film roles (the latter leading to Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations), Grammy-winning diva Mary J. Blige has proven time and time again her talents aren’t limited to music.

Now, reports have it the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will be using those acting chops to salute her longtime idol, Aretha Franklin, in the late icon’s forthcoming MGM-produced biopic.  Toplined by Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, the entertainment studio’s sent anticipation for the film into overdrive by announcing its full cast which includes the likes of Blige, comedian Marlon Wayans, veteran actor Forest Whitaker, and many more familiar names.

Look inside for more:

Deadline reports:

Joining Hudson in the Liesl Tommy-directed movie is Forest Whitaker; Marlon Wayans; Tony, Grammy and Emmy-winner Audra McDonald; Multiple Grammy winning, and Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominee Mary J. Blige; Marc Maron; Emmy-nominee Tituss Burgess; Tony-nominee  Saycon Sengbloh; Tony-nominee Hailey Kilgore, and Tate Donovan.

Emmy-nominee Tracey Scott Wilson (The Americans, Fosse / Verdon) penned the script.

…the role of young Aretha Franklin will be played by Skye Dakota Turner (Broadway’s Young Anna Mae in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical). 

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August 14, 2020 is the film’s premiere date.

[main photo source: Getty Images/FilmMagic/Shutterstock]

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