Jennifer Hudson And Liesl Tommy Discuss The Challenges Of Bringing ‘Respect’ To The Big Screen

The Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, was set to hit theaters in the fall of 2020, but amid the coronavirus pandemic, the film got pushed back. First to December, then again to January, then to later this year. 

Jennifer Hudson stars as the iconic Queen of Soul, and it marks the directorial debut for Tony Award-nominated Liesl Tommy. They spoke with Billboard recently, where they talked about their struggle to bring this film to the masses.

“I’m actually quite emotional, after the Covid of it all, to finally be able to share this film with the public,” Tommy told the outlet. “It’s been years, now, of love and effort poured into it.”

“What better way to go back to the theaters than through the Queen of Soul?” Hudson added. “We can all come together. Your children love her. Your mom loves her, your grandparents… Take the family. It’s something we’ve all been waiting for, including myself, not only to share with the world but for everyone to see.”

Tommy noted that the film was made “to be seen on the big screen,” with over-the-top costumes, great locations, and big sound. She says the audience will “be healed” by the film after a year of coronavirus.

The film also stars Forest Whitaker as C.L. Franklin, Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Audra McDonald as Barbara Franklin, Tituss Burgess as Reverend Dr. James Cleveland, Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler, Kimberly Scott as Mama Franklin, Saycon Sengbloh as Erma Franklin, Hailey Kilgore as Carolyn Franklin, Heather Headley as Clara Ward, Skye Dakota Turner as Young Aretha Franklin, Tate Donovan as John Hammond, and Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington.

The film will finally be released in theaters on August 13.