A year after National Geographic announced EMMY, TONY, & GRAMMY-award winning star Cynthia Erivo had been cast to portray Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin in the biographical miniseries ‘Genius,’ an extended first look has been lifted for the venture.
The four-night anthology designed to “explore Franklin’s musical genius, incomparable career, and the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world,” ‘Genius’ was originally set to launch last year as the first-ever authorized scripted production about the musical monarch since her August 2018 passing.
After the network announced a change of plans due to the global health crisis, its premiere was stalled.
Now with a new date in tow, look below to get a glimpse of how Erivo will fare in the royal role.
The four-night, ‘Genius: Aretha’ miniseries will kick off March 21st at 9pm and culminate on what would’ve been Franklin’s 79th birthday (March 25).
This effort is not to be confused with the Jennifer Hudson-led Aretha Franklin big screen biopic, which was also pushed back and is now scheduled to premiere in August. Click here to read more about that.
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I’m sorry this is bad pairing. I did not sense Aretha. And why do their persist on using the actor’s vocals and not the artist’s vocal such as What’s Love Got To Do With It?
She sounds nothing like Aretha, but more like a 13 year trying to imitate Aretha. Her acting doesn’t seem to promising either but we’ll wait and see.
This looks horrible. She has zero Aretha Franklin qualities. It’s really subpar. And she looks nothing like her. It’s embarrassing!
i think Cynthia was the wrong choice for Harriet and the wrong choice for Aretha, but she’s great when the part is right for her like in Bad Times at the El Royale.
Looks good but I wish they would have gotten Mrs. Aretha’s blessing first.
Nope