Jennifer Hudson has secured her next major film role, and it’s a monumental one—she’ll be stepping into the shoes of a true icon. The singer-actress is set to play Aretha Franklin in an upcoming biographical film that received the Queen of Soul’s personal blessing.
The surprise announcement came from legendary music executive Clive Davis during his pre-Grammy gala, where he revealed that Aretha herself had selected the award-winning performer to bring her story to life. Hudson, who won an Academy Award in 2007 for her role in Dreamgirls, later delivered a medley of Aretha’s greatest hits at the event, including “Think,” “Rock Steady,” and “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.”
According to Variety, MGM has acquired the rights to the still-untitled project. Producers attached include Scott Bernstein (Straight Outta Compton) and music producer Harvey Mason.
Aretha had long campaigned for a film about her life. In 2011, she publicly expressed her desire for Halle Berry to take on the role, but the Oscar winner declined, primarily because she lacks singing experience. “Someone should tell Aretha that I can’t do her justice,” Berry remarked.
Franklin later elaborated on her initial choice in a statement shared exclusively with Wendy Williams. Interestingly, after Berry ruled herself out, it was Williams who suggested Jennifer Hudson as an alternative.
For the most part, social media users on Twitter appear delighted with the casting decision.
