Jennifer Hudson in talks to topline Aretha Franklin bio

PanARMENIAN.Net - Jennifer Hudson is in negotiations to star in the long-in-development untitled Aretha Franklin biopic. Hudson is eyed to play the R&B diva, a lead role which was previously offered to Halle Berry, AceShowbiz reports.

Although there is no deal in place just yet, Hudson's representative hinted that there had been conversations about the role. "Straight Outta Compton" producer Scott Bernstein is developing the movie under his SMB Films banner.

The film will center on Franklin's rise to fame in the '60s and '70s. It will also explore the Queen of Soul's interpersonal relationships, most notably how her abusive husband and autocratic father helped inspire and shape her epochal music during that time. There is no official release date just yet, but the movie is expected to arrive in the U.S. in 2107.

Hudson first appeared in Hollywood entertainment industry as a contestant of "American Idol", but her career as an actress started in 2006 when she starred in "Dreamgirls" alongside Eddie Murphy and Beyonce Knowles. The 33-year-old singer-turned-actress most recently appeared on FOX's series "Empire". She also co-starred Garrett Hedlund in 2014's "Lullaby" and will next be seen in drama thriller "Chiraq" alongside Samuel L. Jackson.