Courtney B. Vance Compares ‘Genius: Aretha’ To O.J. Simpson Miniseries

 If you liked The People V. O.J. Simpson then you’re going to love Genius: Aretha. At least that what Courtney B. Vance believes.

We know it sounds like a weird comparison since ‘O.J.’ followed Simpson’s murder trial and ‘Aretha’ will follow the life of  legendary singer Aretha Franklin. Vance however is comparing the talent of those involved.

“The last time I had a feeling like this about a piece was when we did O.J. , The People V. O.J.” he told HipHollywood.  “Everyone adds, everybody that comes in recognizes what’s going on … People are all in it to win and the things that we are getting are just extraordinary.”

If you didn’t know, Genius: Aretha stars Oscar-nominated and Tony Award winning actress Cynthia Erivo in the titular role.

Vance plays Aretha’s father Rev. C.L. Franklin who was also a singer. “I’m not singing, I’m sangin,” joked Vance.

You recall he also sang and was a pastor in the film The Preacher’s Wife opposite Whitney Houston, so we believe he’s got some skills. Unfortunately we won’t see it anytime soon.

According to Variety the anthology series has been delayed due to the novel coronavirus halting production.

Originally, Genius: Aretha was set to premiere on Memorial Day, but was still in production when concerns about the pandemic caused shutdowns across the country. With production still suspended, the network sent out a statement saying that “it has become clear that the series will not be completed in time for our previously announced Memorial Day airdate.”

“We look forward to resuming work as soon as is possible and safe, and at that time will announce a new premiere date for later this year,” the statement also read. “We cannot wait to let Aretha’s voice sing, and in the words of the Queen herself, ‘Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.’ In that spirit, we wish all of our viewers well in these challenging times, particularly those who are working in our communities to keep us all safe.”

In addition to Erivo and Vance , “Genius: Aretha”  also stars David Cross, Malcolm Barrett, Pauletta Washington, Patrice Covington, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Steven Norfleet, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Omar J. Dorsey, Marque Richardson and Shaian Jordan.