Jennifer Hudson dazzles in Aretha Franklin movie trailer

Jennifer Hudson is showing off her superstar talent in the first teaser trailer for the Aretha Frankin biopic, Respect. 

Jennifer Hudson is showing off her superstar talent in the first teaser trailer for the Aretha Franklin movie, Respect. 

The film, which follows the legendary soul singer’s rise to stardom, sees Jennifer Hudson in the starring role.

She’s joined by other notable stars and musicians including Forest Whitaker, Queen Latifah, Mary J Blige and Tate Donovan.

The music biopic is in good hands with director Liesl Tommy at the helm, who most recently directed the Netflix series Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings.

Hudson, who won the Oscar for her role in the 2007 film Dreamgirls, may be poised for her second Academy Award if this teaser for Respect is anything to go by.

Aretha Franklin holds a special place in Hudon’s life, who recalls opening for the legendary singer before her Dreamgirls fame.

“Back in April 2003, I got to open up for her in Merrillville, Indiana, where she held a concert. That was before Dreamgirls, before I ever dreamed of playing her one day,” she told PEOPLE. 

“I still feel like she’s in me, I really do,” she says. “I just hope to meet her requests. You think you respect Aretha, but once you see the film and you learn her story, you can’t help but to have a newfound respect for her.”

Respect is due out on Christmas Day 2020 in the US and in January 2021 in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

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