Cynthia Erivois ready for her close-up asAretha Franklin!
TheOscars nominee, 33, completes her transformation into the Queen of Soul in the first teaser for National Geographic’sGenius: Aretha, a biographical television anthology series about the legendary singer.
In a short trailer released on Friday, Erivo captures Franklin’s passion for music — from her humble upbringing to recording her iconic hits in the studio.
To which Erivo’s Franklin replies, “I want to make hits, Mr. Wexler.”
Genius: Arethawill also star Courtney B. Vance as civil rights activist C.L. Franklin, Malcolm Barrett as the “Respect” singer’s first husband Ted White, Patrice Covington as Erma Franklin, Kimberly Hébert Gregory as talent agent Ruth Bowen, Rebecca Naomi Jones as Carolyn Franklin and Sanai Victoria as Little Re.
The eight-part limited series will be the first authorized scripted limited series about Franklin,following her lifefrom gospel prodigy though civil rights champion to music icon.
Genius: Arethais the third installment of National Geographic’s anthology series. In past seasons, the biographical anthology followed the lives of physicist Albert Einstein and artist Pablo Picasso.
Erivo previously spoke about taking on the iconic role,saying in a statementlast December, “Over the last few months, I’ve been preparing myself to embody the Queen of Soul, from relistening to her music to discovering her rare interviews and reading some amazing books on her — all to really capture Aretha’s attitude and spirit.”
“I’m truly humbled to be working alongside a very talented and musical team. Together, we’ll serve the Queen and create something special.”
Franklin also has a big place in Erivo’s heart. The actress previously opened up about the 18-time Grammy winner in aninterview with NMEin November, telling the outlet, “She’s part of the tapestry of the voice I have.”
“The music I’ve learned and the performances I’ve done, she inspired a lot of it. She’s one of my heroes and I hope I can do justice to her achievements,” she said.
Franklin passed away in 2018 ofpancreatic cancer. She was 76.
Genius: Arethawill premiere on May 25, 2020 at 9/8c on National Geographic.
source: people.com
