Known as “The Voice,” Whitney Houston was one of the most iconic figures in music during the 1980s and 1990s. Now, for the first time, her incredible life story is set to be adapted on the big screen. Sony’s TriStar Pictures will release the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody in theaters this December. The film will cover Houston’s early life and career beginnings, up through her rise to stardom and recognition as a global icon. Per Deadline, according to the filmmakers, the film will be a “joyous, emotional and heart-breaking celebration of the life and music of the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time, tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom.”

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While we do not yet have much concrete information about how the film will depict Houston’s life, we can look at everything we do know as of now. How will the film capture the life of such an iconic music name on screen? Who is lined up in the starring role as Houston, and who else will join the cast? When and where can we expect to see it? And what else should audiences know about I Wanna Dance With Somebody?

The Plot: What We Know

     Sony Pictures Releasing

While exact plot details are still sparse, we do know that the film is set to cover all of Houston’s life. According to that same Deadline piece, scriptwriter and producer Anthony McCarten says:

From that statement, we can gather that the story will not shy away from Houston’s personal struggles, as well as her tragic 2012 death at age 48. The story will take an honest look at the toll that fame took on Houston’s life and how she balanced that fame with her humble beginnings. Houston’s estate is heavily involved in the production, with Clive Davis, who originally signed Houston, and Houston’s sister-in-law Pat Houston both attached as producers.

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This gives us a general idea of how we can expect the film to approach Houston’s life. Still, it is understandable that the filmmakers want to keep more detailed information under wraps in order to build anticipation leading up to the release.

The Cast: What We Know

     Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Stepping into the role of “The Voice” herself, Naomi Ackie is attached to portray Houston. Ackie said of playing the role:

In addition to Ackie, Ashton Sanders is set to portray Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown. Stanley Tucci will take on the role of Clive Davis, who signed Houston and guided her career through the years. Nafessa Williams will play Houston’s assistant Robyn Crawford, while Clarke Peters and Tamara Tunie are attached as Houston’s parents, John and Cissy Houston.

Stella Meghie was going to direct but was replaced by Kasi Lemmons in September 2021. Meghie is expected to still remain on the production as an executive producer. Additional casting announcements are likely to follow as we get closer to the film’s release date.

The Release: What We Know

I Wanna Dance with Somebody is currently set to be released by Sony Pictures on December 21, 2022, just in time for the lucrative Christmas season at the box office. It was initially set to be released on December 23, 2022, but was moved up by two days, likely to capitalize on the holiday season market.

Everything Else: What We Know

     Warner Bros. Pictures

With Houston’s estate attached, it is clear that the film will take a respectful look at her life and career while at the same time not sugarcoating her personal and professional struggles. Screenwriter McCarten is no stranger to biopics. He penned the screenplays for The Theory of Everything, Darkest Hour, Bohemian Rhapsody, and The Two Popes, which told the stories of Stephen Hawking, Winston Churchill, Freddie Mercury & Queen, and Pope Benedict XVI & Pope Francis, respectively.

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With well over 200 million records sold worldwide, Houston is one of the most influential and successful recording artists of all time. Her soundtrack album for the 1992 film The Bodyguard is the third-highest selling album of all time, and the most successful soundtrack album of all time, with 45 million sales worldwide.

Telling the life story of one of the most iconic singers in just a two-hour movie is no small task. However, it is clear that the filmmakers and production team have great respect for Houston and will do her story justice.