Respect to film in Detroit in October

MGM is set to shoot its Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, in Detroit, USA, from October to December 2019.

Hudson is already confirmed for the lead role, having been especially chosen by Franklin herself before she died last year.

An online casting search is currently underway for an actress to play a younger version of Franklin when she was singing at her father's church in Detroit and emerging as a musical child prodigy.

“[We are] looking for an African American girl to play ages 10-14,” confirmed Cast It Talent. “They must sing well, ideally with a soaring gospel soprano.”

The turnaround is tight with rehearsals due to begin in September, and shooting commencing in October.

Stage director Liesl Tommy is directing the project based on a script by Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise) following the rise of Franklin’s career — from a child singing in her father’s church choir to a superstar.

Tradecraft’s Scott Bernstein (Straight Outta Compton), and Harvey Mason Jr., who has written and produced songs for both Franklin and Hudson, are serving as producers on the movie. 

Respect is set for release on 14 August 2020.