Respect (2021 American film)
Respect | |
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Directed by | Liesl Tommy |
Screenplay by | Tracey Scott Wilson |
Produced by |
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Starring | |
Cinematography | Kramer Morgenthau |
Edited by | Avril Beukes |
Production companies | |
Distributed by | United Artists Releasing (United States) Universal Pictures (international) |
Release date |
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Country | United States |
Language | English |
Respect is an upcoming American biographical drama film directed by Liesl Tommy. Based on the life of singer Aretha Franklin, it stars Jennifer Hudson in the leading role. Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Queen Latifah, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Tate Donovan, and Mary J. Blige also star in supporting roles. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on December 25, 2020, for a limited release in the United States, before expanding to a full wide release on January 15, 2021.[1]
Cast
- Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin
- Skye Dakota Turner as young Aretha Franklin
- Forest Whitaker as C. L. Franklin
- Marlon Wayans as Ted White
- Audra McDonald as Barbara Siggers Franklin
- Queen Latifah as Mahalia Jackson
- Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington
- Heather Headley as Clara Ward
- Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler
- Tate Donovan as John Hammond
- Tituss Burgess as James Cleveland
- Saycon Sengbloh as Erma Franklin
- Hailey Kilgore as Carolyn Franklin
- Kimberly Scott as Mama Franklin
- Lodric D. Collins as Smokey Robinson
Production
The project had been long in development, with Jennifer Hudson set to play Aretha Franklin. Franklin herself was involved with the development up until her death on August 16, 2018.[2] In January 2019, Liesl Tommy was set to direct the film.[3] The rest of the cast was added in October 2019, including Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Queen Latifah, Audra McDonald and Mary J. Blige.[4]
In a June 2019 slate deal, MGM added Bron Creative as a co-financing and producing company to this film.[5] Filming began in Atlanta, Georgia on September 2, 2019,[6] and wrapped on February 15, 2020.[7] Jonathan Glickman, MGM's President of the Motion Picture Group, exited the company on February 1, 2020, with a first look deal starting with the film.[8]
Release
Respect is scheduled for limited release in the United States on December 25, 2020, before expanding on January 8, 2021, and a full wide release on January 15.[9] It was originally scheduled for release on August 14, 2020, and then was pushed back to October 9.[10]
References
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; D'Alessandro, Anthony (2020-03-26). "Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Heads To Christmas For Awards Season Rollout". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
- ^ Chris Willman (2018-08-17). "Aretha's Films: Whither Her Jennifer Hudson Biopic, 'Amazing Grace'?". Variety. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
- ^ McNary, Dave (2019-01-10). "Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Taps Director". Variety. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2019-10-18). "'Respect': MGM Aretha Franklin Biopic Casts Forest Whitaker; Marlon Wayans, Mary J. Blige & More". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Moreau, Jordan (June 6, 2019). "MGM and Bron Creative Enter $100 Million Co-Financing Deal". Variety. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
- ^ Ho, Rodney (September 10, 2019). "Aretha Franklin biopic 'Respect' starring Jennifer Hudson shooting in Georgia". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
- ^ Bennett, Anita (2020-02-15). "Jennifer Hudson Wraps Production On Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect'". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
- ^ Lang, Brent; Kroll, Justin (January 3, 2020). "Michael De Luca to Replace Jonathan Glickman at MGM". Variety. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; D'Alessandro, Anthony (2020-03-26). "Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect' Heads To Christmas For Awards Season Rollout". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
- ^ Evans, Greg; Evans, Greg (2019-12-20). "Jennifer Hudson Demands R-E-S-P-E-C-T In First-Look Aretha Franklin Biopic Footage". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-03-26.