Jennifer Hudson puts in a surprise appearance to introduce her new film Respect in Chicago

Fans who attended an early screening of the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect in Chicago got quite the surprise when Jennifer Hudson showed up.

The 39-year-old actress and Chicago native put in an unannounced appearance to introduce 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 slated for release in theaters nationwide on August 13.

Surprise: Fans who attended an early screening of the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect in Chicago got quite the surprise when Jennifer Hudson showed up

Hudson rocked a colorful mini-dress with a black hem and a slightly low-cut look as she introduced the film.

She wore a gold necklace with a gold pendant that read ‘Respect’ along with a grey choker and other necklaces. 

Her curly hair fell to her chin as she accessorized with 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 low-cut look as she introduced the film

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

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

The actress has been travelling across the country to promote the film, spotted last week at a special screening in Martha’s Vineyard.

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

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

Respect follows the life story of Aretha Franklin, as she rose from humble beginnings, singing in her traveling preacher father’s ‘gospel caravan’ to international stardom.

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

Liesl Tommy makes her feature film directorial debut with Respect, after directing episodes of Insecure, The Walking Dead, Mrs. Fletcher and more. 

Life story: Respect follows the life story of Aretha Franklin, as she rose from humble beginnings, singing in her traveling preacher father’s ‘gospel caravan’ to international stardom

Hudson is currently filming a new anthology project dubbed Women’s Stories, teaming up with Taraji P. Henson, who will direct her segment.

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

Hudson is also voicing Ophelia in the upcoming animated movie Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk. 

New project: Hudson is currently filming a new anthology project dubbed Women’s Stories, teaming up with Taraji P. Henson, who will direct her segment