Sony Pictures has released a brand new trailer for I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the forthcoming biographical drama starring Naomi Ackie as legendary singer Whitney Houston. The film is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 23 in the U.S.
The video continues to highlight the important aspects of Houston’s life and career, including her unprecedented rise to fame, her complicated relationship with her father, her romance with Bobby Brown, and her legacy as a superstar.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody, a title derived from one of Houston’s iconic songs, is directed by Kasi Lemmons (Harriet) from a screenplay written by Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody). Joining Ackie are Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams, and Clarke Peters.
“The film is a powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston,” reads the synopsis. “It is a no-holds-barred portrait of the complex and multifaceted woman behind The Voice. From New Jersey choir girl to one of the best-selling and most awarded recording artists of all time, audiences are taken on an inspirational, poignant — and so emotional — journey through Houston’s trailblazing life and career, with show-stopping performances and a soundtrack of the icon’s most beloved hits as you’ve never heard them before. Don’t you wanna dance?”
Producers are McCarten, Grammy-winning producer Clive Davis, Pat Houston, and Primary Wave’s Larry Mester and Denis O’Sullivan, with Stella Meghie (The Photograph), who was previously attached to direct, still serving as an executive producer.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a co-production by The Whitney Houston Estate and Primary Wave. Due to the blessing of Houston’s estate and Davis, the project has been authorized to use the late singer’s catalog and vocals. Nicole Brown, Shary Shirazi, and Brittany Morrissey are also set to oversee the project on behalf of TriStar Pictures.
