Everyone knows Whitney Houston's music. Maybe you're familiar with a few of her biggest hits, or you're a superfan who followed her career through each of its astonishing highs and devastating lows. Either way, WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY is set to bring all the major events of Houston's life and career to the big screen.
With Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston, I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY has a powerful central performer who can capture the singer's intensity and joyous musical performances. (It's worth noting that the movie uses Houston's real voice rather than Ackie or another imitator — Houston is, after all, one of a kind!)
We spoke to Naomi Ackie to learn about her experience embodying Whitney Houston — and about her most essential Whitney song. We also got to talk to Nafessa Williams, who plays Robyn Crawford, the woman who was Whitney's friend in her early singing days, and eventually became her girlfriend and assistant. And director Kasi Lemmons — whew knew Houston — describes to us the chance to show Houston "not only as a musical icon, but as a woman," as a key opportunity in making the movie.
Watch our full video interview with the cast of WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY below:
WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY opens on December 23.
All images courtesy of Sony Pictures.