Aretha Franklin Documentary Filmed In Marietta Square

ATLANTA, GA — Production crews for the new upcoming documentary on Grammy award-winning singer Aretha Franklin were seen Tuesday setting up in Marietta Square. Facebook user Shawna Smith Awad shared photos of crews setting up in the A-Scene Facebook group.

According to WXIA, “Genius: Aretha,” is a story about Franklin’s journey. Some of her most popular songs are “Respect,” “Think,” and “Natural Woman." She will be played by Cynthia Erivo, a Tony Award winner for Broadway’s 2015 "The Color Purple" and the star of this year’s Harriet Tubman biopic "Harriet," according to Deadline.

The documentary is expected to premiere in the spring on National Geographic channels.

A casting call was put out in December for men of Middle Eastern background in the Atlanta area for the biopic “Respect.” Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson will play Franklin in the film.

Other stars who will appear along Hudson are Marlon Wayans, Forrest Whitaker, Audra McDonald, Titus Burges, and Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige.