(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Cynthia Erivo has been cast to play the late Aretha Franklin in the National Geographic show ‘Genius’.
The Grammy, Emmy, and Tony award winner will star in the anthology show’s third season, where it will dive into the life and the accomplishments of the Queen of Soul.
Ervio spoke on what it means to portray the icon. “Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl. Her strength, passion and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon. To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity and brilliance, is an honor.”
Production is set to begin next month and it will feature songs like “Chain of Fools”, “Don’t Play That Song”, and “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You).”