Aretha Franklin is planning the cast for her upcoming bio flick based on her New York Times Best-Selling Autobiography Aretha: From These Roots, and she is going after the biggest names in Black Hollywood.  See who she wants when you go inside…

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The Queen of Soul has been quietly meeting with top black actors and actresses, including Denzel Washington and Terrence Howard, for roles in the film based on her.  The Queen tells the BV Newswire, "These actors are enthusiastic about the project and have agreed to take on these roles subject to further negotiation."

Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry is the top pick to play a young Aretha.  And Denzel Washington, a Detroit native, says he’s open to playing the role of Franklin’s father, Rev. C.L. Franklin. ‘Law and Order: Los Angeles’ star and Oscar-nominated Terrence Howard agreed in-person to portray Smokey Robinson. Nia Long is being asked to play Aretha’s sister Erma Frankin and Blair Underwood wanted for the role of brother and long-time manager Cecil Franklin.  And last but certainly not least, A-List gospel singers Karen Clark Sheard and LaShun Pace have been asked to play the world-renowned gospel group, the Ward Singers, whom Aretha says most influenced her  career.

Truly a diva, she didn’t name anyone who wasn’t Black Hollywood’s A-list.  This movie should be fab with such a great cast.  I wonder if Halle plans to gain weight for the role if she also plays "older" Aretha.  Or will the Queen be like Natalie Cole and play herself.  We will see. 

The Randomness:

1. Forest Whitaker and Nia Long to receive honors fom PETA. Here.

The Young, Black, and Fabulous