Actress Naomi Ackie To Play Whitney Houston In ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ Biopic

December 16, 2020 by Robin Ayers in Music with 0 Comments

Actress Naomi Ackie To Play Whitney Houston In ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ Biopic

After an “exhaustive” search for the best to portray legendary Whitney Houston in the I Wanna Dance With Somebody biopic, actress Naomi Ackie, has been given the role. Ackie, best known for her role in Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker, was said to have been impressive at embodying Whitney Houston during her entire audition process, according to the biopic’s director, Stella Meghie.

She stated,

“I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.”

Also impressed with her skills was Houston’s sister-in-law and executor of Whitney Houston Estate, Pat Houston, who serves as a producer on the film alongside music executive Clive Davis. Pat Houston expressed,

“All Whitney fans have an appetite for perfection when it comes to Whitney and her Legacy. 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.”

Pat Houston, Whitney Houston

I Wanna Dance With Somebody will reportedly be a “no holds barred” look into the legendary singer’s life and legacy. Clive Davis, a long-standing friend, and mentor of Whitney Houston says of Naomi Ackie’s abilities:

“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.”

Clive Davis, Whitney Houston