You better think… about the first time you heard the incomparable music ofAretha Franklin.
For the cast members and creator of National Geographic’sGenius: Aretha, the moments are etched on their brains.
Even if it’s hard for them to imagine a time in their lives without her music.
National Geographic/Richard DuCree
“I just fell deeply in love with her voice.”
Courtney B. Vance, who plays Franklin’s father, the Rev.
Franklin, considers Franklin an essential part of his roots.
Namely that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their shooting process, causing them to hit pause for several months.
Erivo found the extra time a boon to her performance.
“I was able to make decisions faster.
It felt like it had settled in far more than it had previously.
It actually was really helpful to have that time.”
Parks echoes the sentiment.
“The COVID shutdown did allow us to strengthen the story,” she admits.
“I did a lot of rewriting, a lot more research.”
“We had to cut parts of the script,” Parks says.
“I had to go through and cut scenes.
Genius: Arethapremieres Sunday, March 21, at 9 p.m.
ET on National Geographic.
Watch the video above for more.
