Jennifer Hudson makes surprise appearance to present new movie Respect in Chicago

Fans who attended a first screening of the Aretha Franklin Respect biopic in Chicago were quite surprised when Jennifer Hudson showed up.

The 39-year-old Chicago-born actress made an unannounced appearance to present her new film at the AMC River East Theater in Chicago on Thursday.

The film, which follows the life story of the legendary Queen of Soul, is set to hit theaters nationwide on August 13.

Surprise: Fans who attended an Aretha Franklin Respect biopic premiere in Chicago were quite surprised when Jennifer Hudson introduced herself

Hudson rocked a colorful mini dress with a black hemline and a slightly cleavage look when she presented the film.

She wore a gold necklace with a gold pendant that said “Respect” with a gray choker and other necklaces.

Her curly hair fell to her chin as she accessorized a number of bracelets and rings, completing her look with a pair of silver pumps.

Jennifer’s look: Hudson rocked a colorful mini dress with a black hem and a slightly cleavage look when she featured the film

Crowd: Her curly hair fell to her chin as she accessorized a number of bracelets and rings, completing her look with a pair of silver pumps

Hudson was accompanied at the screening by Chaz Ebert, widow of beloved Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert, who died in 2013.

The actress has traveled across the country to promote the film, which was seen last week at a special screening at Martha’s Vineyard.

Just two days before her Chicago appearance, Hudson was also spotted at a special screening in Atlanta.

Jennifer and Chaz: Hudson was joined at the screening by Chaz Ebert, widow of beloved Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert, who died in 2013

Respect follows Aretha Franklin’s life story, as she grew from humble beginnings, singing in the “gospel trailer” from her traveling preacher father to international stardom.

The biopic also stars Forest Whitaker as his father CL and Audra McDonald as his mother Barbara, with Marlon Wayans as first husband Ted White and Marc Maron as record producer Jerry Wexler.

Liesl Tommy made her feature film directorial debut with Respect, having directed episodes of Insecure, The Walking Dead, Mrs. Fletcher and more.

Life Story: Respect follows Aretha Franklin’s life story as she grew from humble beginnings, singing in her father’s “gospel trailer” as a traveling preacher to international stardom

Hudson is currently filming a new anthology project called Women’s Stories, in collaboration with Taraji P. Henson, who will lead her segment.

The segment is called Pepcy & Kim, telling the true story of Kim Carter, a former drug addict who created the Time for Change Foundation to help homeless women get their lives back on track.

Hudson also voices Ophelia in the upcoming animated film Peter the Pigeon-Hawk.

New Project: Hudson is currently filming a new anthology project called Women’s Stories, in collaboration with Taraji P. Henson, who will be directing her segment