Less than one month ago Cynthia Erivo-starrer “Harriet” made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Now the actress is set to follow up the Harriet Tubman biopic by playing another icon. She’ll topline National Geographic’s upcoming season of “Genius,” which pays tribute to the Queen of Soul herself: Aretha Franklin. Variety confirmed the news.
As previously announced, “Genius: Aretha” will be showrun by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. The project marks “the first-ever, definitive, and only authorized scripted limited series” centered on Franklin and will see Erivo, a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner, performing Franklin’s songs.
“Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl,” said Erivo. “Her strength, passion, and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon. To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity and brilliance, is an honor. What I know and have learned about what my voice, as an artist, can do and the power in it has been highly influenced by Franklin. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of the sharing of her genius.”
“Genius: Aretha” is the third installment of the anthology series which celebrates innovators and their achievements as well as their personal lives.
Franklin received 18 Grammys, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and countless other awards and accolades throughout her nearly-six-decade career. Her records have sold over 75 million copies worldwide, and she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She died August 16, 2018, of advanced pancreatic cancer. She was 76.
Directed and co-written by Kasi Lemmons (“Eye’s Bayou”), “Harriet” tells the story of how Tubman helped hundreds of slaves escape. The film hits theaters November 1. Erivo’s other screen credits include “Widows” and “Bad Times at the El Royale.” “The Color Purple” and “Sister Act” are among her stage credits.
