Aretha Franklin Hopes Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald Will Headline Biopic

Legendary singer Aretha Franklin has set her sights on Porgy and Bess star Audra McDonald for a new biofilm of the singer’s life, according to Detroit News. On March 28, Franklin attended a performance of Porgy and Bess in honor of her 70th birthday, and was allegedly impressed by McDonald’s emotional portrayal of Bess. Franklin has not yet spoken to McDonald about potentially taking on her life story. No filming or release dates for the untitled biopic have been announced.

At age 18, Franklin released her first single for Columbia Records in September, 1960. Best known for hits like “Respect,” “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” “Baby I Love You” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Franklin is the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The legendary singer is the winner of 18 Grammy Awards and two honorary Grammys.

McDonald won Tony Awards for Carousel, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun and Master Class. The actress has also appeared on Broadway in The Secret Garden, Something Wonderful, Marie Christine, Henry IV and 110 in the Shade. Her film and TV credits include Private Practice, Grey’s Anatomy, The Bedford Diaries and the 1999 film adaptation of Annie.