Naomi Ackie to Play Whitney Houston in 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' Musical
The film will feature the iconic singer’s original catalog, including her vocals.
Sony‘s TriStar Pictures has found the lead for its upcoming musical movie, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, based on the life of Whitney Houston. Known for her role in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, British actress Naomi Ackie is set to portray the role of the late legendary recording artist.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anthony McCarten of Bohemian Rhapsody penned the screenplay back in August, while Stella Meghie is set to direct the film. “We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,” Meghie told THR. “Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.”
In addition, “the movie will use the singer’s catalog, including her vocals,” courtesy of the Whitney Houston estate. “Naomi Ackie’s screen test was so powerful, it sent shivers up my spine,” said music producer Clive Davis. “Although Whitney’s incomparable vocals are used for all the songs, Naomi’s extraordinary acting range enables her to masterfully capture Whitney’s unique charm, star power, and, of course, her personal struggles.”
I Wanna Dance With Somebody will premiere in 2022 during Thanksgiving. Stay tuned while we wait for further updates on the full cast and trailer.
