Respect, the biopic on music legend Aretha Franklin, has been delayed for the third time by MGM. Originally set for release on Christmas Day 2020, Aretha was moved to a Martin Luther King Jr. weekend release on January 15, 2021 back in July. MGM has finally settled on an August 13, 2021 debut – seven months later. MGM/United Artists has made the call to delay the movie due to the ever uncertain terrain of theaters, with many theaters reducing their hours or temporarily closing, all caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) is heading the film as Aretha Franklin herself. South African director – Leisl Tommy – known for Jessica Jones, The Walking Dead, and Insecure is directing the biopic. The film has a star studded line up with Forest Whitaker playing C.L. Franklin, Marlon Wayans playing Ted White, Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington and Tituss Burgess as Rev. Dr. James Cleveland.
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