The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin has decided to turn her New York Times Best-Selling Autobiography Aretha: These Roots into a feature film. The Queen has spoken, and has negotiated to have some of the biggest names in black Hollywood to star in her highly anticipated biopic.
According to Black Voices Newswire, Aretha Franklin has been quietly meeting with today's leading black actors and actresses, including Denzel Washington and Terence Howard.
Denzel Washington told Franklin he's open to playing the role of Franklin's father, Rev. C.L. Franklin. Oscar-nominated Terrence Howard agreed to portray her dear friend and former Miracles front man, Smokey Robinson. Nia Long is being asked to play the Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree's sister, Erma Franklin, and she wants heartthrob Blair Underwood on board to play her brother and longtime manager, Cecil Franklin.
The 18-time Grammy Award winner says, "These actors are enthusiastic about the project and have agreed to take on these roles subject to further negotiation."
Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry has been the Queen of Soul's top pick to play her younger self. Halle Berry's outstanding performance in the portrayal of famed actress Dorothy Dandridge in 'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, leading her to win an Emmy and the Golden Globe Award.Franklin has also seek out the best in gospel music to take on the roles of members of the world-renowned gospel group, the Ward Singers. Karen Clark Sheard and LaShun Pace are being asked to portray the women who most influenced Franklin's career.
Other potential actors for the film:
- Mo’Nique
- Gabourey Sidibe
- S. Epatha Merkerson
- Jennifer Hudson
- Fantasia
- Lisa Nicole Carson
I think these are some great actors to play the roles of Franklin's camp but I'm not sure about Halle Berry. She is a wonderful actor but I think this role s more fitting for someone like Queen Latifah. She has been dominating lately in the box office and this role has her name written all over it.
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