Mary J. Blige Joins Cast Of Aretha Franklin Biopic

It appears that the casting for Aretha Franklin’s upcoming biopic, Respect, is complete. According to Deadline, Mary J. Blige will play the role of Dinah Washington, a jazz artist of the 1950s. With this, Blige continues to add to her film and television career, considering she already has two Academy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.

Jennifer Hudson is set to play the lead role as Aretha Franklin. Respect will show Franklin’s childhood, from singing in her father’s church to her rise to fame. The film will also feature prominent actors such as Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Marc Maron, Audra McDonald and many more.

“I am thrilled with the incredibly talented cast we have assembled for our film, and I’m so proud that Ms. Franklin entrusted us to tell her story and to share it with the world,” said Liesl Tommy, the film director. “As a storyteller, hers is the kind of story we all dream of telling. Her music has inspired me since I was a little girl, and the milestones of her life and career have shown us all how to strive and thrive.

The film will reportedly begin production on November 1st and is set to be released on August 14th, 2020.