The first image of Cynthia Erivo as the great Aretha Franklin in Nat Geo’s latest Genius series has been released.

Erivo is playing Aretha Franklin in the upcoming eight-part season, which is due to air in spring 2020, and is in production now.

“Over the last few months, I’ve been preparing myself to embody the Queen of Soul, from relistening to her music to discovering her rare interviews and reading some amazing books on her — all to really capture Aretha’s attitude and spirit,” Erivo said. “I’m truly humbled to be working alongside a very talented and musical team. Together, we’ll serve the Queen and create something special.”

Genius: Aretha is being billed as the only authorised and first limited series depicting Franklin’s life and will also star Courtney B. Vance, David Cross, Malcolm Barrett and Patrice Covington.