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Soul songstress Aretha Franklin has released a wish list of the actors whom, according to the New York Daily News, she would like to see cast in the movie about her life.

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The “Queen of Soul” penned her memoir, “Aretha:  From the Roots,” along with famed celeb biographer David Ritz back in 1999, and the upcoming biopic, which is based upon the book, has many wondering who would play her.

The book describes Franklin’s childhood upbringing in Detroit, where she was raised by her minister father and had four siblings.  While two teen pregnancies, snippets of some legendary troubles with men, and her eventual rise to superstardom are mentioned, because Franklin decided to withhold juicy details, the book ends up being a pretty flat read.

Still, the film project continues to create quite a buzz. Franklin is reportedly scheduled to meet with the director, whose name has not been revealed, and financial backers of the film, which will bear the autobiography’s title.  The 69-year-old, who only recently announced her engagement to long-time companion William Wilkerson, made it very clear last year that she wanted Halle Berry to play her.

While Berry reportedly declined the role because she lacked a singing voice, there was speculation that Franklin did not take Berry’s refusal too lightly.  According to reports, though, all bets have not been removed from the table and Berry might still be a consideration for the lead role.

A perfect actress to play Franklin, though, is the multitalented Jennifer Hudson:  The women both grew up in Detroit, Hudson can belt out a song, and both Hudson and Franklin have experienced family tragedies. In 2008, Hudson’s mom, nephew, and brother were brutally murdered.  Franklin’s brother was shot during a home invasion in 1979, and he spent five years in a coma before passing away.

Other actors Franklin would like to star in the film are Nia Long as her older sister Erma Franklin, Kerry Washington as her younger sister Carolyn Franklin, and Blair Underwood as Franklin’s older brother Cecil. Franklin would also like Terrence Howard as Smokey Robinson and Denzel Washington as her father, Rev. Cecil Franklin.

Franklin’s publicist told the Daily News that nothing has been etched in stone and  none of the actors have actually been contacted.

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  • Anonymous

    I’m sorry, but Jennifer Hudson works my last nerve. She can’t act (and no, an Oscar does not equal acting talents when you sung through 90% of the movie) and her singing is sub-par. If I hear that dayum Weight Watchers commercial one mo’ ‘gin, I’m going to scream.

    Why not give an unknown actress a shot? There are so many talented, beautiful sisters out there who could do a great job. The current list of “acceptable” Hollywood actors/actresses are getting older. YouTube is filled with young black actresses who are writing and producing their own short web series that would be perfect for a project such as this.

  • http://www.facebook.com/laquitathodge Laquita T. Hodge

    I agree. I am so tired of hearing about Jennifer Hudson & seeing her commercials on tv. I do like her singing, but I don’t think she’s right for the part. I do think that maybe they should find an unknown actress who favors her enough, can sing & act. Depending on who’s making the movie, that’s probably the route they’ll take.

  • Anonymous

    I think Jazmine Sullivan or the larger sister of Mary-Mary, would be a good choice.

  • Anonymous

    I need to check out Jazmine Sullivan. I’ve heard so much about her, but have never actually heard her sing.

  • http://www.blackplanet.com/carmoejorkel/ carmoejorkel

    Sorry Aretha… love you to death… but you and Halle donot resemble

  • http://www.blackplanet.com/Iwillbfree/ Iwillbfree

    Kerry Washington? NO WAY!

    She is married to a white boy!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6BPJ4E6VKLZYREY7WGNWS2IJ54 EbONYfoXX

    Please let’s give Fantasia another chance

  • Anonymous

    (In my best Jennifer Hudson voice)….”IF YOU WANT IT, YOU GAAT IT!!!!”

  • Anonymous

    Frankly, I’m tired of seeing Jennifer Hudson in singing roles. I think that they need to consider a very talented unknown.

    It sounds like most of the movie will cover her younger years, before she got so heavy, because every article about this movie talks about how Aretha is considering thin actresses to play her. If they cover her later years, they are going to need a second actress who is big.

  • Anonymous

    <> That commercial was the first thing on when I turned on my TV. Sigh…

  • Anonymous

    LOL…Yah, ALL of these weight loss companies are duking it out with these celebrity singers; Jenny Craig has Mariah Carey and Nutri-System has Janet Jackson. Janet doesn’t sing in any of them, but she’s a yo-yo dieter, and she will probably regain her weight.

    The commercial with Mariah Carey is horrible, worse than Jennifer Hudson’s.

  • Anonymous

    lol

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