Will Five-Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald Play Aretha Franklin in Upcoming Movie?

Five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald is in contention for playing the Queen of Soul, according to the New York Daily News. The Broadway.com Audience Choice Award winner is on the short list to play Aretha Franklin in an upcoming biopic, but there’s a hitch.

“The question, where Audra is concerned, is whether or not she can get over into soul, not Broadway,” Franklin said. The article went on to say that Franklin and film director Taylor Hackford are also considering Dreamgirls Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson for the role.

Aretha, take it from us, Audra can sing anything. For example: if she can sing John Mayer’s “My Stupid Mouth,” you bet she can sing “Natural Woman.”