It has been decided by MGM/United Artists Releasing to delay the release of the Aretha Franklin biopic film, Respect. The release of the film was changed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally, the film was scheduled to have a wide release on January 15, 2021 however, the new release date is now set for August 13, 2021 starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson and includes the cast of Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald, Saycon Sengbloh, Brenda Nicole Moore, Marlon Wayans, Tituss Burgess, Kimberly Scott, and Tate Donovan.

The film was directed by Liesl Tommy and tells the life story of the Queen of soul and R&B singer, Aretha Franklin. Respect isn't the only film that has made a drastic change, MGM also pulled the plug on the Tomb Raider sequel starring Alicia Vikander from its March 19, 2021 release date. It appears now audiences are going to have to wait a little longer for the new films.

Check out the official trailer MGM released earlier this summer.