Respect, starring Jennifer Hudson as the Queen of Soul, is now playing in select Australian cinemas

After years of waiting and watching other on-screen depictions, such as Cynthia Erivo in the series Genius: Aretha, here comes the official trailer for the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect.

Starring Jennifer Hudson as the Queen of Soul, Respect is now playing in select Australian cinemas. Here’s the glamorous poster and trailer for one of the year’s most exciting biopics.

“I want to sing what I want to sing,” Hudson’s Aretha complains after four albums and little recognition from mainstream audiences and press. It takes one song to transform the belittled preacher’s daughter into a global music icon. And judging from the era-spanning trailer below, Respect will take us from Franklin’s early days in gospel music through personal tragedy to her ultimate crowning as one of soul’s greatest stars.

Here’s the film’s official poster, showing off Hudson in full Aretha drag at the height of her career. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, it’s finally time to find out what it means to me; and by “me” I mean the millions of fans who worship the late diva’s vocal prowess.

Respect will arrive in Australian cinemas on August 19, an R&B event to keep an eye (and an ear) out for. It co-stars, co-starring Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans and musical legends Audra McDonald, Mary J. Blige and Tituss Burgess.