Deadline reports that the upcoming MGM-produced Aretha Franklin biopic has enlisted stage director Liesl Tommy, the Tony Award-winner of the 2016 production Eclipsed, to helm the upcoming project.
The upcoming biopic, entitled Respect, is scripted by Nashville creator Callie Khouri and stars Oscar-winning actress/singer Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) in the lead role as the acclaimed Grammy-winning soul and R&B artist, Franklin.
I could not be more excited to be working alongside Liesl Tommy, a brilliant and thoughtful director, who is no doubt the perfect choice to lead the film.”
“It is an absolute honor to be a part of bringing Ms. Franklin’s story to audiences who adore her around the world,” Hudson said.