Aretha Franklin: Halle Berry Should Play Me in Biopic

By PopEater Staff Posted Sep 10th 2010 09:15PM

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has some pretty strong opinions when it comes to who should portray her in an upcoming biopic film. In Franklin's mind, only Halle Berry has what it takes to portray the younger version of the singing legend, according to the Associated Press.

Earlier this week, Franklin sent out a press release detailing her specific choices for the prominent roles in the film. In addition to Berry, she wants Denzel Washington to play her father C.L. Franklin, a civil rights leader and Baptist minister. And she would love Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard to portray Motown star Smokey Robinson.

In her press release, Franklin, 68, says the actors she names are "enthusiastic about the project and have agreed to take on these roles, subject to further negotiation."

The planned biopic will be based on Franklin's autobiography, 'Aretha: From These Roots,' which hit the bestseller list 10 years ago when it was published. The iconic singer says she'll begin reviewing scripts next week.

Franklin's biggest hits include '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,' 'Chain of Fools,' 'Freeway of Love' and her signature song, 'Respect.'

Tags: ArethaFranklin, halle berry

Comments

(98)

Friday 10 September

By John

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

What about Jennifer Hudson? She can sing and act.

By emma

Vote down Vote up Report this

'DID ARETHA REALLY SAY THIS, HALLE BERRY NO WAY SHE BETTER CHOOSE SOMEONE ELSE, BY THE WAY DID OTIS REDDINGS MADE RESPEC?/BEFORE ARETHA, THIS IS WHERE SHE GOT THE SONG AM I RIGHT ?SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME.

Saturday 11 September

By SiastaEg

Lay off the caps, idiot.

By Bebe

Yes Otis Redding wrote the song and sang it, however Aretha made it a hit and took it to another level which I am sure Otis or his family appreciated because that means whoever wrote the song gets royalties everytime the song is played. At any rate it was a big hit by Aretha.

No she shouldn't because she isn't a cow with 4 chins. I think a nice pile of dog feces would be a better choice.

By Orlando

Halle as Aretha? I don't see it. Other people joke that Halle would need to gain 300 pounds and all but even looking at photos of Aretha when she was younger I STILL don't see Halle as being a good choice to play her. Halle looks like she could've been a Supreme more so than "The Queen". Apparently Aretha wants a star-studded cast. I'd consider Jill Scott as Aretha over Halle.

By Mona

Jill Scott sings....Aretha hollers. (her own words)

By olatunde

It is plain to see one artist has been forgotten. I am not sure of her acting abilities but if there is a movie to be made in the next ten years MARY J. BLIGE should definately be considered. From listening to her over the years Aretha must have been heavy on the rotation of music in Mary's momma house.

By Courtney

Aretha has been fat since at least 1980 when she was in THE BLUES BROTHERS 30 years ago. Gabrielle Sidebe, the actress from PRECIOUS is the obvious choice.

Sunday 12 September

''I agree with you courtney.

By george clooney

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Seems I touched a nerve....Aretha has been honored and honored...well let me count the ways? Sorry, I do not appreciate this woman's achievements as heralded as you all do. How many of her top hits were "hers?" I am happy she found success but QUEEN of Soul? Puhleeeese! Lets consider Sarah Vaughan or Mahalia Jackson but this woman has been handed everything, including the songs to sing. As for me not knowing what I am talking about; lol...if you only knew.

By themeeker

You called her a one hit wonder before. That means you know nothing.

By bestbunny10

Aretha is flattering herself.
After seeing her in a dress of moutains of feathers I think that Big Bird should play her.

On a serious note., How about Gabby Sedebe (Precious) or Monique

By PN

I think that Halle Berry would be an excellent choice to play the young Aretha Franklin in that movie on the singer. But I also think that either Jennifer Hudson or Mo'Nique would play Aretha in her adult years in the '70s and '80s. Those are also excellent choices. Queen Latifah is another strong candidate for the role. They might have each of them play Aretha's phases of her life in the movie.

'please take halle berry out of the lineup it won,t work,aretha is triping young, middle age or old she is not a halle and never will be.

By Puma47

I'm reminded of the poem...Desiderata.....

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

By Joe Spelta

Halle, Find a good restaurant with an "all you can eat" ribs bar and dig in.

By laura

aretha....NO!! Try Loretta Devine!

By jsinger

Aretha cannot be serious. First of all, Halle Berry is a diabetic and cannot put on 200 pounds. Secondly, Aretha's taste in clothes is hideous, I cannot imagine Halle wanting to dress like that by anyone's standards. Aretha is not living in a world of reality to even suggest Halle play her. Halle doesn't resemble Aretha at all. I hope Halle will not be silly enough to do something like this.

By Jackie

Thank you..jsinger!! My sentiments exactly!

Page 3 of 5