Check out Harriet star Cynthia Erivo as the late, great “Queen of Soul,” ARETHA FRANKLIN. The Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy Award – winning performer is starring as the music icon in the new National Geographic production GENIUS: ARETHA.


“Over the last few months, I’ve been preparing myself to embody the Queen of Soul, from relistening to her music to discovering her rare interviews and reading some amazing books on her – all to really capture Aretha’s attitude and spirit,” said Erivo. “I’m truly humbled to be working alongside a very talented and musical team. Together, we’ll serve the Queen and create something special.” 


GENIUS: ARETHA also features Courtney B. Vance (“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”) as C.L. Franklin, David Cross (“Goliath,”,”Arrested Development”) as Jerry Wexler, Malcolm Barrett (“Timeless,” “Preacher”) as Ted White, Patrice Covington (Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) as Erma Franklin, Kimberly Hébert Gregory (“Vice Principals”) as Ruth Bowen, Rebecca Naomi Jones (“The Big Sick”) as Carolyn Franklin and Sanai Victoria (“Black-ish”) as Little Re.

The eight-part limited series will premiere on National Geographic in May 2020 in 172 countries and in 43 languages. 

Stay tuned…

PHOTO CREDIT: National Geographic/Richard DuCree

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