Watch: Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin in First Teaser for Biopic

Jennifer Hudson at The Women's Cancer Research Fund hosts an Unforgettable Evening, Los Angeles, Feb 2018. Photo by John Salangsang/REX/Shutterstock (9442691bu)

Respect!

MGM has unveiled the first look at its upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic. 

The minute-long clip features Jennifer Hudson as Franklin singing a verse from the title song, nearly a cappella.

Hudson, a Grammy and Oscar-winning songstress, was handpicked for the role by Franklin herself, who passed away more than a year ago at 76 years old. 

“Much R.E.S.P.E.C.T to the queen of soul,” Hudson tweeted alongside the teaser on Friday.

Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Tate Donovan, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner and Mary J. Blige also star in the Liesl Tommy-directed feature. 

Watch the first for Respect below!