Franklin biopic moves ahead:

The long-gestating Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” is going ahead with stage director Liesel Tommy set to direct.

MGM announced Thursday that Tommy will helm the film, which is to star Jennifer Hudson. The “Dreamgirls” actress was cast as the late Queen of Soul in January 2018 after Franklin selected her for the role. Callie Khouri, who penned 1991’s “Thelma & Louise,” will write the script.