Entertainment
Jennifer Hudson in Talks to Play Aretha Franklin for ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Producer
In this Oct. 14, 2014 file photo, Jennifer Hudson arrives at The 20th Annual Fulfillment Fund Stars Benefit Gala in Beverly Hills, Calif. Hudson will debut on Broadway in the fall when the musical “The Color Purple” returns. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
Jeff Sneider, THE WRAP
(TheWrap.com) — Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson is in discussions to play Aretha Franklin in a biopic that “Straight Outta Compton” producer Scott Bernstein developing under his SMB Films banner, an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.
Hudson has not been officially cast as there is no deal in place, but a representative for the “Dreamgirls” star has acknowledged that conversations have taken place.
The Untitled Aretha Franklin Project, which has been in the works for several years, will chronicle the “Respect” singer’s rise to fame in the ’60s and ’70s and delve into her relationship with her abusive ex-husband Ted White.
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