Photo: Sony Pictures
The first look at Naomi Ackie asWhitney Houstonhas arrived!
On Tuesday, Sony Pictures unveiled a poster for theupcoming biopic,I Wanna Dance with Somebody. In the image, Ackie, 29, is seen dressed in a black leather jacket, a white t-shirt and jeans — a signature ensemble for Houston — while posing with her arms spread wide and head tilted back.
An array of flashing lights are seen behind Ackie, symbolizing Houston’s undeniable stardom. The film is set to release on Dec. 21, 2022.
Houston’s sister-in-law and former manager Pat Houston willproduce the filmon behalf of the Houston Estate. ProducerClive Davis, Whitney’s mentor, will also be producing, along with Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan, Jeff Kalligheri and McCarten.
Naomi Ackie (left); Whitney Houston (right).getty images (2)
Houstondiedat age 48 on Feb. 11, 2012 after drowning in a hotel bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The Los Angeles County coroner’s office confirmed hercause of deathwas due to accidental drowning, and drugs were found in her system at the time.
“All Whitney fans have an appetite for perfection when it comes to Whitney and her legacy,” said Pat in a statement perThe Hollywood Reporter.
“To transform someone into a matchless icon is virtually impossible. But with careful consideration, Naomi Ackie was selected based on her quality performances and her deep commitment to emerging into the woman that we all loved. We look forward to taking this journey with her.”
Ackie’s past film credits includeStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,The Corrupted,YardieandLady Macbeth.
I Wanna Dance with Somebodywill be “very frank about the price that super-stardom exacted” while also being “the moving tale of a simple Jersey girl trying to find her way back home,” according to a previous apress releasefor the film.
source: people.com
