Jennifer Hudson is seen for the first time as the late Aretha Franklin… as filming begins for 2020 Respect biopic
She was reportedly handpicked by the late singer for the starring role in her biopic, Respect.
And Jennifer Hudson was seen for the first time as Aretha Franklin while filming in New York City on Sunday.
The 38-year-old singer and actress transformed into ‘The Queen of Soul’ for the shoot, taking fans back to Harlem in 1966.
Jennifer stunned in a colorful shirt worn underneath a cream colored over-coat for the scene.
And while in character, she kept warm in the crisp autumn air with a pair of Ugg boots between takes.
The signer’s hair was styled into a short up-do and her glam kept natural to a bold brow and nude lip.
Also seen with the American Idol alum was her co-star and on-screen husband, Marlon Wayans.
Marlon will be playing the role of her husband Ted White, who she married at the young age of 19. 
At one point on Sunday, he was seen collecting money from prostitutes while Jennifer’s character looked on from the passenger seat in the car.
When he returned to the vehicle, the pair shared an on-screen kiss.
The movie is set to hit theaters in August 2020 and is being directed by Liesl Tommy, known for her work in Jessica Jones and The Walking Dead. This is her first time directing a movie.
Respect, follows the legendary life of the late R&B singer, Aretha Franklin.
The singer was actually involved in the development of the movie up until her death in August 2018.
Other stars include, Audra McDonald as Aretha’s mother, Barbara Siggers Franklin and Mary J. Blige – as Dinah Washington – named ‘the most popular black female recording artist of the 50s.’
It will also star Tate Donovan as John Hammond, music producer who was instrumental in sparking Aretha’s career, and Tituss Burgess as James Cleveland – gospel singer who partnered with the star on her Grammy winning album, Amazing Grace.
He moved to Detroit in the 1960s to take a position as a music director at the famed New Bethal Baptist Church – where Aretha’s father, Reverend C. L. Franklin, was the pastor.
And it was always going to be Jennifer Hudson to play the leading role.
It was revealed last year by the late singer’s friend, Harvey mason Jr., that she had been ‘handpicked.’
‘They both sing with a lot of emotion. They both sing with a lot of range and power,’ he began to the Detroit Free Press.
It’s really hard to compare anyone with Aretha, though. I think the good thing about Jennifer is that was Aretha’s pick to play her. … There was a lot of discussion about a lot of people, but Aretha was adamant that it be Jennifer.’
