Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson is in early discussions to take on the role of Aretha Franklin in a new biopic from the producer of box office hit Straight Outta Compton.
According to TheWrap, the Dreamgirls star is the favourite to play the Grammy-winning soul singer and a representative for Hudson has confirmed that conversations have been taking place.
The long-gestating biopic, currently called Untitled Aretha Franklin Project, will reportedly focus on Franklin’s rise to fame throughout the 1960s and into the 70s and will also include her relationship with abusive ex-husband Ted White.
The film comes from producer Scott Bernstein, currently riding high after Straight Outta Compton posted a $60.2m opening weekend in the US, and is still seeking a director.
Franklin originally stated that she wanted Halle Berry to take on the role but last year spoke about Hudson also being suitable. She also told Billboard that “the singing is certainly going to be a very, very integral and important part of it.”
After winning the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls, Jennifer Hudson has appeared in the first Sex and the City movie, The Three Stooges and Black Nativity. She will next be seen in Spike Lee’s Chiraq and HBO movie Confirmation, alongside Kerry Washington.
