Respect: Aretha Franklin biopic starring Jennifer Hudson

Music biopics have made up some of the most popular movies of the past few years – it's no wonder the trend keeps developing. The latest in the string of actors taking on musicians is Jennifer Hudson, who will be playing Aretha Franklin in Respect.

In 2019, Amazing Grace retrieved lost footage of Franklin performing at the New Bethel Baptist Church in 1972, and reminded the contemporary world why her talent was so singular.

Next year, her story will be taken to the silver screen in a fictionalised form, courtesy of director Liesl Tommy behind the camera. Respect will span Franklin's life – while plot details remain scant, the first teaser shows that Hudson is certainly up to the task for the role.

There is also a National Geographic series in the works, Genius: Aretha, which stars Cynthia Erivo as the singular talent. With such a rich life, two biopics hardly seems excessive.

Alongside Hudson, Respect also stars 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.

The UK release date remains unconfirmed, but watch this space in the later half of the year as awards season arises once more.