It’s been quite the tumultuous year for iconic singer Whitney Houston, who returned to rehab earlier this year. But now, things finally seem to be looking up. Reports are claiming that Houston is now in negotiations with Sony Pictures to star in the remake of the 1976 music drama Sparkle.
According to Billboard, if Houston lands the role, she’ll play not-so-encouraging mother, Effie Williams, to the film’s star, Jordin Sparks, who will make her film debut playing the title character, Sparkle Williams.
The original film, which was inspired by the success story of The Supremes, centers on the lives of the Williams sisters, a trio of young siblings who move up from singing in their church choir in Harlem in the 1960’s to life in the “big time” as a successful singing group.
Also set to star in the film is venerable actor Omar Epps, who will play the role of Satin, a violent stand-up comedian who marries one of the sisters and gets her hooked on cocaine.
Screenwriter and producer Mara Brock Akil and husband, director Salim Akil, will helm the film.
Houston has been attached to the film remake for over a decade, acting as a producer when it was originally set up at Warner Bros. and was set to star Aaliyah in the title role before her untimely death in 2001. Houston will now executive produce the remake.
Do you think Houston will be a good fit for the film? –nicholas robinson
