EXCLUSIVE: Ashton Sanders has joined the cast of the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the upcoming feature about the late musical icon, Whitney Houston. Sanders will play Bobby Brown and sources…
Naomi Ackie is set to play Houston with Kasi Lemmons directing the film.
The screenplay is written by Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten, and will take audiences on an emotional, energetic journey through Houston’s career and music. Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music, Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri of Compelling Pictures and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures.
Molly Smith, Trent and Thad Luckinbill will produce for Black Label Media with Black Label’s Rachel Smith and Seth Spector executive producing. Primary Wave Music is a partner of the Whitney Houston estate. Stella Meghie will also exec produce.Sony Sets Dates For Whitney Houston & George Foreman Biopics, Two Others; 'Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile' On The Move
Houston is the most awarded female music artist of all time and is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, selling more than 200 million records worldwide. Houston won six Grammy Awards, 16 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards and two Emmy Awards, among many others. Houston made her acting debut with the romantic thriller film which she recorded six songs for the film’s soundtrack, including “I Will Always Love You”.