Hudson Handpicked By Aretha Franklin To Star In Biopic

Today in Tha Wire, Detroit's Free Press reported Friday that the viewing and funeral preparations are being finalized by the family of the late Aretha Franklin. The viewing will reportedly be at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, located at 315 E. Warren Street. The funeral services will be held at Greater Grace Temple, located on Detroit's west side. The public is welcome attend the viewing on August 28 and 29, from 9 am - 9pm both days. However, the actual funeral Friday August 31, 2018 is NOT open to the public said Franklin's publicist Gwendolyn Quinn.

Funeral arrangements, will be handled by Detroit's Swanson Funeral Home. The Detroit FP, reports the Queen of Souls family will make an announcement early this week. A tribute concert is also in the works for Thursday August 30, 2018. Meanwhile, HipHollywood reports During the 2017 Clive Davis Annual Grammy Gala, Davis announced that Jennifer Hudson was handpicked by Aretha Franklin to star in the upcoming biopic about her life. Aretha reportedly believed that J-Hud was one of the few actresses that had the vocal range, to handle a musical role of this stature.

Hudson scored a ton of accolades for her powerful portrayal of Effie White in Dreamgirls, to include Academy and Golden Globe Awards. So the Queen was on the money when she said, Jennifer had the experience and chops to pull off the role. Even more perfect is the fact that the singer will be working with Dreamgirls movie/music producer, Harvey Mason Jr. again, for Aretha's biopic.

Amazingly Mason was in constant talks with Aretha about the movies storyline, and had no idea the iconic singer was terminally ill. He told TMZ, he thought she was just under the weather. He said he was stunned to learn weeks prior to her death that Franklin was really on hospice. Mason said Franklin never let on she was gravely sick. Aretha was extremely excited, was very hands-on when it came to the biopic. According to the producer, they spoke on the phone at least 100 times, and she seemed focused and very upbeat each time. Mason spoke further of the biopic, his talks with the Queen of Soul and more below:

Like the rest of the nation Mason and Hudson are devastated with her passing. Jennifer Hudson took to her IG page to paid tribute to the late music legend. She posted a video of herself listening to the Queen's cover of The Beatles classic "Let It Be." The former American Idol contestant included the following caption,

All production on the Aretha Franklin MGM produced biopic, has been put on hold for obvious reasons. We'll keep you posted.