Cynthia Erivo demands respect as she transforms into Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin in the trailer for a new series based on the singer’s life.
British Oscar nominee Erivo plays Franklin in National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha, which will explore the revered US star’s career both on and off-stage, including her influential work supporting the civil rights movement.
Producers said it will be the “first-ever, definitive and only authorised scripted series” on her life.
All hail the Queen of Soul. Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo is Aretha Franklin in #GeniusAretha, coming March 21 to @natgeotv pic.twitter.com/zPKf7ekZ70
— National Geographic (@NatGeo) February 9, 2021
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The trailer shows Erivo playing Franklin on her journey to becoming one of the biggest artists in the world, including clashing with those trying to control her and giving a black power salute.
“There will never be another one like me,” Erivo’s Franklin says.
Genius: Aretha also stars Courtney B Vance, Malcolm Barrett and David Cross. Londoner Erivo, 34, is known for her work on Broadway as well as her Oscar-nominated turn in 2019 biopic Harriet.
Franklin, who died in August 2018 at the age of 76, sold more than 75 million records during a glittering career with hits including Respect and I Say A Little Prayer.
Erivo’s portrayal is not the only upcoming screen adaptation of Franklin’s life.
Jennifer Hudson will play her in Respect, a biopic that has been delayed to August due to the pandemic.
Genius: Aretha is set to air in the US on four consecutive nights beginning on March 21.
