*The National Enquirer swears Halle Berry is “fuming” over being passed over for the Aretha Franklin biopic, despite conflicting reports that the actress actually turned down the role.
Early on in the process, Franklin famously wanted Berry to play her on the big screen, even gushing to Wendy Williams, “Halle Berry is my pick.”
But our spies say that Berry declined the offer a while back, which made room for Jennifer Hudson to be seriously considered. J-Hud is reportedly ready to sign on, with the film now being fast-tracked by the producers of “Straight Outta Compton.”
But, the Enquirer is quoting an insider that claims Halle is “heartsick” that she was “passed over.”
“When Halle heard Jennifer is on the inside track for the role, she called Aretha to read her the riot act,” said the source. “Aretha wouldn’t take Halle’s calls! She had someone reply, saying casting Jennifer is just a sound business decision.”
“Halle feels duped. It’s not her fault producers and Aretha dragged their feet for years!” the source added.
Asked if the report is true, the Queen of Soul told The Enquirer absolutely not, adding: “Halle and I appreciate each other. She was just on the front row of my Los Angeles concert at the Microsoft Theater.”
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