New Visual For Whitney Houston Biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”

Today, Sony Pictures tweeted a new visual for the upcoming Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody. The photo depicts star Naomi Ackie as a young Whitney Houston in the foreground of countless flashing lights. Ackie’s black leather jacket, white tank, and blue denim ensemble are identical to Houston’s look in her 1987 music video “So Emotional.”

🎶 Don’t you wanna dance? 🎶 Whitney Houston, the greatest voice, has an even greater story. I Wanna Dance With Somebody is exclusively in movie theaters December. #IWannaDanceMovie @WannaDanceMovie pic.twitter.com/l64z8534qC

— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) April 25, 2022

Some Background On “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” Star Naomi Ackie

According to The Hollywood Reporter, actress Naomi Ackie was cast as the leading role of Whitney Houston after a nationwide search that lasted nearly half a year. Ackie was cast after impressing the crew with her “ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.” The British actress is best known for her appearances on the small screen, including Netflix originals The End of the F***ing World and Master of None.

Music producer Clive Davis, who was a crucial player in Whitney Houston’s illustrious pop career, went on to brag about how impressed he was by Ackie’s portrayal of his long-time friend “Naomi Ackie’s screen test was so powerful, it sent shivers up my spine. 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. Naomi is the real deal and I can’t imagine a better choice for this iconic role.”

What We Know About The Whitney Houston Biopic

I Wanna Dance With Somebody is written by Anthony McCarten, the same writer behind the 2018 Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. I Wanna Dance With Somebody stars Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston, as well as:

• Stanley Tucci as friend and producer Clive Davis
• Tamara Tunie as mom Cissy Houston
• Ashton Sanders as ex-husband Bobby Brown
• Bria Danielle Singleton as daughter Bobbi Kristina
• And Nafessa Williams as long time friend Robyn Crawford

According to IMDB, the Whitney Houston biopic will tell the story of “The joyous, emotional and heart-breaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time. Tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom.” Kasi Lemmons (Harriet) is slated to direct. I Wanna Dance With Somebody is expected to premiere in theaters on December 21st, 2022, just in time for the Holidays.

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