Aretha Franklin Eyes Audra McDonald, Two-Time Grammy Award Winning Singer, For Biopic

Earlier this year Aretha Franklin revealed her “wish list” of actors to star in her upcoming biopic. Today the Queen of Soul has added Audra McDonald to the growing list of actors who are contending for the starring role.

According to a press release, Franklin took interest in the award-winning television stage actor following a recent attendance of Broadway’s “Porgy and Bess.”Although no plans are final, the Grammy Award winner is reportedly aiming to wrap up negotiations for the working project in the coming months.

In addition to developing her forthcoming motion picture, the “Respect” singer is also scheduled to reunite in the studio with her musical mentor Clive Davis. "I have re-signed with Clive Davis, so I'm recording with Clive again," she revealed last month during her 70th birthday party. "We're going to sit together and decide what it is we're going to record."

There is no set release date for the as-yet-untitled album.

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Comments

[abolishinsanity]

01:09 PM on 05/02/2012

Audra McDonald is a musical comedy singer, not a "soul singer." But because of her exceptional ablility, she might be able to fake it. Is that what Aretha wants? By the way, looking at that picture: what a terrible Photoshop retouch job on Audra (her hairline)!

[Lechiffre]

04:53 PM on 05/01/2012

Aretha mamma that's a sensible choice right there. Audra looks the part and she can act. She probably can sang too.

[pink4004]

03:53 AM on 05/01/2012

As for looks Audra is definitely a fit to play Aretha (the question is can she sing?). At one time it was rumored that Aretha wanted Halle to play her. Newsflash....Halle isn't remotely the one to play Rebbie. No offense but Halle and Aretha are miles apart in the looks department!

[Befree16195]

08:06 AM on 05/01/2012

She can sing.. but the question is can see SANG.

[Alexis718]

08:46 PM on 05/01/2012

The only time this was successful (where the looks were different) was when Diana Ross played Billie Holiday. Diana Ross was so good I was disappointed when I saw the real Billie Holiday. I wanted her to be Diana. Otherwise, it's so much better when the actress/actor resembles the artist in some form or fashion.

[Joel Edwards-Brown Hatch]

12:57 AM on 05/01/2012

Jennifer Hudson #thatisall

[La Chat]

12:26 AM on 05/01/2012

I'm glad Ms. Aretha has finally come to her senses and nixed the idea of Halle Berry playing her in the biopic. Halle is a great actress but a poor choice to portray the Queen of Soul.

[pink4004]

03:55 AM on 05/01/2012

LaChat: I agree. It's like who's not so bright idea was that for Halle to play Aretha

[Nuttinbutdatruf]

10:59 PM on 04/30/2012

A much better choice than Halle Berry.

[DoveSong]

09:20 PM on 04/30/2012

Did you photoshop Audra's photo? It looks horribly bizarre and OFF mark.

[PoliSci2008]

03:54 PM on 05/01/2012

I was thinking the same thing. It looks like cheap theatrical wig and makeup crowning her face, that was easliy captured by photograph.

[F-ierce]

09:11 PM on 04/30/2012

Gurl! Is that her lacefront failing Audra? Oh Child! :-)
See that's why I don't touch that lacefront! Lol!

[dblohangel]

01:20 AM on 05/01/2012

No. DoveSong spotted it...bad, very poor PhotoShop manipulation makes the subject look like her hairdo is a major hair tell...as in hair don't. Tacky!

[Befree16195]

08:09 AM on 05/01/2012

She in costume.... P&B
see the pics here

http://www.broadway.com/shows/porgy-and-bess/photos/queen-of-soul-aretha-franklin-goes-backstage-to-meet-the-stars-of-porgy-and-bess/172404/porgy-and-bess-aretha-franklin-and-audra-mcdonald

[robjh1]

08:24 PM on 04/30/2012

Audra would be perfect for the role.

[amd02148]

07:45 PM on 04/30/2012

I think her picking Audra is perfect.

[BossaGBNova]

06:59 PM on 04/30/2012

Aretha is just skating all around JHud, who I think would be perfect...but hey, whatever...whatever the Queens wants.

[wkingsolomon77]

07:25 PM on 04/30/2012

It is not what they queen wants it is all about how much hollywood and the banks will put out,meaning $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.She is still trying to raise the money

[BossaGBNova]

08:00 AM on 05/01/2012

lol wkingsolomon77...hi how r u?..it's MsG7...well you said a mouth full...It seems to always be the bottom line...$$$$$$$$

[abustig]

09:43 PM on 04/30/2012

McDonald is a better actress, I'd place that over singing when making a movie, oh and she can SANG, like really sang, I think she's classically trained, but she's versatile. Never thought Hudson was that great a singer anyway, and she's definitely not the singer Aretha was or is today. Her banal whining is nothing compared to the Queen's full bodied gospel cries.

[BossaGBNova]

08:05 AM on 05/01/2012

Well abustig....You said a lot there...I don't know a lot about McDonald, but I will be checking her out...I cannot agree with you about JHud....I have a song on my playlist that JHud sings....it's called "Jesus Promise Me A Home Over There".......Please listen to that and tell me if you hear banal whining....Sidebar- I think Queen A is a little bit full of herself, sorry to say....plus it may be all about the money...just saying.

[MJMartin45]

04:38 PM on 04/30/2012

Much better and I think she can pull it off.

[wkingsolomon77]

07:22 PM on 04/30/2012

Look after all these years Aretha has been in the business she should be able to pick up the phone and make things happen.Respect is more than just singing about it. I will tell you the truth why she has a hard time getting this movie made.Nobody wants to put up the money,they think it will not make a profit(there kind of profit). Aretha cannot afford to use her own money,cause she is not rich or wealthy. She is a sweet person with much love to give. She has to play the cards that were dealt to her in the business,plus her age is a minus in the sight of hollywood. It takes atleast $50 million to get a decent movie made,and they would like to see atleast a $150 million dollar profit. Audra is a great talent and is the best choice so far,but the movie must make a profit,maybe Tyler can help her out. He has been the water for the thirst that AA have

[Nuttinbutdatruf]

11:05 PM on 04/30/2012

How do you know Aretha's financial situation?

[pink4004]

04:08 AM on 05/01/2012

wking: It's been reported that it only cost 12 to 13 mil to make Think Like a Man, and it's also been reported that Tyler Perry has also managed to make movies on small budgets. So even though an Aretha biopic would be more involved because of musical performances....I still think it can be made for under 50 mil. Also I doubt very seriously if a Rebbie biopic will ever bring in the likes of an 150 mil profit. Not even close!! Get real!!