RESPECT – My Visit On Set With Jennifer Hudson & First Look Featurette

Last year (before COVID interrupted our world) I was invited on set by MGM Studios during the filming of Jennifer Hudson’s upcoming film shot in Atlanta, RESPECT. During my time there, I watched the choir shoot a stirring, emotional scene. If you’ve ever been to a Baptist church, you know when the spirit moves (filming or not) it’s hard to contain yourself. Especially when Jennifer Hudson is belting out notes as if Queen Aretha was in the building!

After several hours, they completed the scenes for the day and Jennifer came to greet us one by one. She was gracious, warm and it was an honor to meet the woman whom Aretha picked to portray her.

The film follows the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.

Also during my time on set, I spoke with producer Scott Bernstein. I met Aretha before her passing, so I was curious to know what Scott’s time with Aretha intelled. Listen below.

To kick this week off right, I've got an amazing new featurette from RESPECT. In this clip, you get a behind-the-scenes look into Jennifer Hudson's transformation into Aretha Franklin. As you will soon see, Ms. Franklin's faith-driven journey could not have been more aptly illustrated by anyone but Jennifer.

WATCH Jennifer Hudson embody Aretha Franklin as she becomes the Queen of Soul in a new behind-the-scenes look at the making of the upcoming film RESPECT.

In theatres August 13th.