Aretha Franklin biopic 'Respect' with Jennifer Hudson pushed back to August 2021 release date
The film also stars Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald and Mary J. Blige
"Respect" is once again shifting its release date.
The Aretha Franklin biopic starring Jennifer Hudson was originally set to debut in August of this year before the coronavirus pandemic prompted the release to shift to Jan. 15.
Now, MGM has delayed the release to Aug. 13, 2021. The studio also pulled "Tomb Raider 2" from its March 19 release date, per Variety.
Hudson, who was personally selected for the role by Franklin herself, was considered a strong contender for an Oscar for the flick, but the release date will leave her out of this year's awards, as well as other critically-friendly co-stars Mary J. Blige, Forest Whitaker and Audra McDonald.
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Marlon Wayans and Tituss Burgess both have roles as well.
Jennifer Hudson (right) and Forest Whitaker (left) are seen on set of 'Respect' on February 14, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Reps for MGM did not immediately respond to Fox Business' request for comment.
"Respect" is directed by Tony-nominated director Liesl Tommy and was written by Oscar-winner Callie Khouri ("Thelma & Louise").
Scott Bernstein ("Straight Outta Compton") is among the film's producers, as is Harvey Mason Jr., who has written and produced music for Franklin and Hudson both.
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Hudson won an Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA for her performance in 2006's "Dreamgirls" and has appeared in several high-profile projects since then, such as "Sex and the City," "Empire" and more.
She's won two Grammys -- one in 2008 and another in 2016.
Aretha Franklin (right) hand-picked Jennifer Hudson (left) to play her in 'Respect.' (Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
A music legend, Franklin netted 14 Grammys and 44 additional nominations.
"Respect" is, of course, just one of many films to be shuffling release dates as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.
Tentpole blockbusters like "No Time to Die" and "Black Widow" were forced to flee into next year while others like "Mulan" opted for a digital release.
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"Tenet" served as the summer's big blockbuster, but performed poorly due to closed theaters and safety concerns. "Wonder Woman 1984" is largely considered 2021's final cinematic hope, but its Christmas day release is beginning to look rather questionable as theaters in massive moviegoing markets like New York City remain shutdown.