Told that “singing is sacred” and that she has “a talent they call genius,” a young Aretha Franklin is taught that “what’s most important is that you are treated with dignity and respect” in a new trailer for “Aretha.” The biopic charts the Queen of Soul’s rise from a child singing in a church choir to an international icon — and her journey towards becoming a woman and artist who demands respect.
After four albums and no hits Aretha (Jennifer Hudson) decides to take a different approach to her stagnant career. “I want to sing what I want to sing,” she insists. It’s not long before she’s belting out “Respect,” her signature anthem. Aretha’s career takes off, but the spot suggests that she’s being mistreated in her personal life.
“Respect” marks Liesl Tommy’s feature debut. Her small screen directing credits include “Mrs. Fletcher,” “The Walking Dead,” and “Insecure.”
Hudson won an Oscar in 2007 for her role in “Dream Girls.” “Monster” and “Cats” are among her more recent credits.
Cynthia Erivo depicted Franklin in National Geographic’s “Genius,” an anthology series that celebrates innovators across various fields.
Written by Tracey Scott Wilson (“The Americans”), “Respect” hits theaters August 13. Audra McDonald and Mary J. Blige co-star.
