National Geographic honors Aretha Franklin in biopic series

National Geographic will be continuing the “Genius” series with season 3 celebrating the life and times of the singing legend Aretha Franklin with a new biopic series. “Genius: Aretha” will be similar to the previous seasons of “Genius” for a biopic limited series celebrating a major historic figure and will be the first woman starring in the series following “Genius: Einstein” and “Genius: Picasso.”

All hail the Queen of Soul. Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo is Aretha Franklin in #GeniusAretha, coming March 21 to @natgeotv pic.twitter.com/zPKf7ekZ70

— National Geographic (@NatGeo) February 9, 2021

The leading woman of the new production will be Cynthia Erivo from “Harriet” and “Orange Is The New Black” playing the starring role of Aretha Franklin. Though there are many celebrated artists in the United State, Franklin is known as the Queen of Soul with the power of her voice and music continues after her passing. The production will also feature a star-studded supporting cast including Courtney B. Vance as Aretha’s father, Rev. C.L. Franklin, and more.

“Genius: Aretha” was initially slated for release by spring 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was able to complete production behind schedule late last year. National Geographic will be premiering next month on Sunday, March 21 at 9/8c PM with a consecutive four-night event celebrating the American singing legend. Each episode will air on the National Geographic Channel and will be available the following day on Hulu.

#GeniusAretha will premiere in March, after being delayed nearly a year.https://t.co/kTCMW9N9mJ

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) February 9, 2021

Aretha Franklin will also be honored with a feature film biopic starring Jennifer Hudson in “Respect” named after her hit song. Production for “Respect” also experienced a delay in production due to the COVID-19 pandemic with “Genius: Aretha” premiering first.