Aretha Franklin | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Jennifer Hudson‘s Respect is getting pushed back once again.

The upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic, which was already moved to January 15, 2021, will now be released on August 11, 2021, MGM announced on Tuesday (October 27).

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Jennifer Hudson

The move comes as many studios scramble to figure out the best launch date for their projects amid the pandemic and theater restrictions due to social distancing regulations.

Here’s a plot summary: “following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, Respect is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.”

A trailer for the film was released back in June.

Jennifer Hudson might be part of another exciting musical project launching very soon, according to fan speculation.

Jennifer Hudson is honoring Aretha Franklin.

The 38-year-old Oscar-winning entertainer took to Instagram on Sunday (August 16) to remember the late R&B legend on the two-year anniversary of her death.

“Something tells me that you are walking around heaven singing all day !” Jennifer wrote along with a black and white photo of Aretha. “I know u got your mansion, far more than just standing room ! Singing in the heavenly choir ! Still Can’t believe we lost you 2 years ago today . I truly miss hearing from you !”

Aretha passed away in 2018 at age 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jennifer will be playing Aretha in the upcoming biopic titled Respect, which is scheduled to hit theaters in January 2021. You can check out the trailer here.

Find out how Jennifer Hudson is helping out students returning to school in Chicago amid the pandemic.

The trailer for the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic Respect has been released!

Jennifer Hudson transforms into the Queen of Soul for the upcoming movie.

Here’s a plot summary: following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, Respect is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.

Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Tate Donovan, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, and Mary J. Blige all star in the film.

Respect was originally supposed to be released in theaters on October 9, but because of the pandemic, the film will now have a limited release on Christmas day, before a wide release on January 15.

Jennifer recently opened up about the “massive” pressure of playing Aretha in the biopic.

Cynthia Erivo looks so much like Aretha Franklin in this brand new image from the upcoming season of Genius.

The new pic shows the actress on stage in 1967 at the Regal Theater in Chicago performing “Save Me” with her sisters Carolyn (Rebecca Naomi Jones) and Erma (Patrice Covington) supporting her.

The image was released in celebration of what would’ve been the singer’s 78th birthday.

National Geographic is also making a donation to Feeding America in her name, in recognition of the difficult times we are currently in.

The series will explore the legendary singer’s life and musical genius as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world.

Genius: Aretha will premiere on Monday, May 25 and air over four consecutive at 9 p.m. on National Geographic.

Watch the first teaser here!

The first teaser of Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin is here for Genius: Aretha and it’s stunning.

The eight-part limited series, which will be produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, is set to premiere on May 25,

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Cynthia Erivo

“Over the last few months, I’ve been preparing myself to embody the Queen of Soul, from re-listening to her music to discovering her rare interviews and reading some amazing books on her – all to really capture Aretha‘s attitude and spirit,” Cynthia shared about her role as the iconic music star.

She added, “I’m truly humbled to be working alongside a very talented and musical team. Together, we’ll serve the Queen and create something special.”

Watch the first teaser below!

You can see another first look image of Cynthia as Aretha here!

Jennifer Hudson is playing Aretha Franklin!

The 38-year-old Academy Award-winning actress and singer plays the late music icon in the upcoming film Respect, hitting theaters on October 9, 2020.

Here’s a plot summary: following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, Respect is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.

Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Tate Donovan, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, and Mary J. Blige all star in the film.

READ MORE: Jennifer Hudson Is Aretha Franklin in ‘Respect’ Biopic – First Pics From the Set!

Watch the first teaser and see the poster inside…

Cynthia Erivo will be playing the role of music legend Aretha Franklin in the upcoming National Geographic series Genius: Aretha and the first look photo has been released!

Production just began on the eight-part limited series, which will premiere in May 2020. Oscar winners Brian Grazer and Ron Howard are executive producing the series.

“Over the last few months, I’ve been preparing myself to embody the Queen of Soul, from relistening to her music to discovering her rare interviews and reading some amazing books on her – all to really capture Aretha‘s attitude and spirit,” Cynthia said in a statement. “I’m truly humbled to be working alongside a very talented and musical team. Together, we’ll serve the Queen and create something special.”

Jennifer Hudson, who was Cynthia‘s co-star in The Color Purple on Broadway, is currently shooting a movie about Aretha‘s life.

You can watch Cynthia sing the Aretha song “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” in the video here.