After a yearlong search, rising actress Naomi Ackie has been selected to play Whitney Houston in the upcoming biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the British actress is in final negotiations to portray the legendary performer. The project is led by Bohemian Rhapsody writer Anthony McCarten and director Stella Meghie with Pat Houston and Clive Davis serving as producers.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston," said Meghie. "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."
Davis added, “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.”
"All Whitney fans have an appetite for perfection when it comes to Whitney and her legacy," commented Houston. "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."
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is expected to be released in November 2022.
For all your music needs, head over to Live365.com for the best variety of radio stations around.
Keep up with the latest news by following us on Facebook (Live365 Official and Live365 Broadcasting) and Twitter (@Live365 and @Broadcaster365)!
Article Image: Naomi Ackie at the world premiere of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" in December 2019. (Featureflash via DepositPhotos.)
