Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Jennifer Hudson wants to play The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin!
According to Hip Hollywood, JHud performed a few of Franklin’s songs in NYC the other night and told the audience she “was planning to play Aretha someday.”
It’s no secret that Hudson adores the musical icon, however, Ms. Franklin has expressed interest elsewhere. At first Franklin said she wanted actress Halle Berry to play her in the film that would be based upon her autobiography, Aretha: From These Roots. After Berry declined, Ms. Franklin then said she wanted Broadway starlet Audra McDonald for the lead role. While I’m sure Berry and McDonald would do an excellent job, Hudson is obviously the better choice. She can sing. She can act and she has an Oscar to prove it!
Other actors on the Queen’s ‘wish-list’ include Nia Long as her older sister Erma, Kerry Washington as her younger sister Carolyn, Blair Underwood as her brother Cecil and Denzel Washington as her beloved father, Rev. Cecil Franklin. She also wants Terrence Howard to play Motown legend, Smokey Robinson.
Hopefully, the Queen will listen to Jennifer’s plea and grant her wish.
Who do you think should play Aretha Franklin in a biopic?