My Publicist Note Book

Former Universal executive Scott Bernstein is developing a movie about the “Respect” singer.... Jennifer Hudson is in early talks to play Aretha Franklin in a biopic that’s being developed by  Straight Outta Compton  producer Scott Bernstein.  The long-gestating biopic, currently called Untitled Aretha Franklin Project, will reportedly focus on Franklin’s rise to fame throughout the 1960s and into the 70s and will also include her relationship with abusive ex-husband Ted White. The film comes from producer Scott Bernstein, currently riding high after Straight Outta Compton posted a $60.2m opening weekend in the US, and is still seeking a director. Hudson has not been officially cast as there is no deal in place, but a representative for the “Dreamgirls” star has acknowledged that conversations have taken place. The Untitled Aretha Franklin Project, which has been in the works for several years, will chronicle the “Respect” singer’s rise to fame ...

Music From the Motion Picture  Black Nativity RCA Inspiration released the soundtrack to Fox Searchlight Pictures holiday musical drama “ Black Nativity ” on November 5th. A new film adaptation of Langston Hughes’ stage drama “Black Nativity”comes complete with a soundtrack album that features performances by an all-star cast of vocalists, including Mary J. Blige, Nas and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, whose song “Test of Faith”premieres today on Speakeasy, along with the previously released track “Be Grateful.” Hudson in the film plays a single mother raising Langston (Jacob Latimore), who heads from Baltimore to New York to spend Christmas with his minister uncle and aunt, played by Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett, respectively. Chafing under his uncle’s strict rules, Langston sets out for home, and life lessons ensue. Jennifer Hudson in a scene from “Black Nativity.” From the sound of “Test of Faith,” Hudson’s character has already learned a few of her o...

Winnie, Starring Jennifer Hudson & Terrance Howard ... Winnie is a 2011 drama film adaptation of Anne Marie du Preez Bezrob's biography Winnie Mandela: A Life . The film is directed by Darrell Roodt, and stars Jennifer Hudson, Terrence Howard.    After nearly two years of delays, questionable casting choices, and a new distributor (megachurch pastor T.D. Jakes), Winnie , the biopic of Winnie Mandela, is gearing up to hit theaters this fall. The film stars Jennifer Hudson in the title role and casts her alongside Terrance Howard, who stars as Winnie’s husband, Nelson Mandela. Many, including Winnie Mandela herself, were trouble by the casting choices, and if this trailer is any indication, I can see why. The film originally debuted at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival, but after it received less than stellar reviews, the film’s producers took it off the festival circuit to undergo some changes.  David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter stated, ...