UPDATE-A Whitney Houston biographical film has been in talks for years, but the premature death of the icon has spurred the conversation into an urgent necessity with pop-star Rihanna prodded for the lead role.
“Whitney knew about the project and was excited to see where it would lead,” an insider tells UK’s The People. It’s hoped the biopic will be as successful as the Tina Turner movie “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” which landed two Oscar nominations for Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, who played Tina and Ike Turner.”
Whitney’s mentor and record producer, Clive Davis, is reportedly overseeing the forthcoming project and handpicking the leading lady to best portray his mentee. Reportedly on the shortlist besides the “Birthday Cake” singer are Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Brandy, and Vivica Fox, who all have a connection to the “I Will Always Love You” singer while Willow Smith may take on the role as a young Houston for the biopic.
Whereas Jennifer probably has the best vocal range to emulate Whitney, Jordin and Brandy have acted alongside “The Bodyguard” actress and both are singers; although, Fox has no vocal chops, she has known Houston for several years and has starred in numerous films as a leading lady.
However, Brandy thinks the list should end where she’s concerned.
“My dream role would be to play Whitney Houston,” Brandy told TruExclusives before Houston passed away. “I have her personality down pat, her ‘isms’ down pat. Like no offense ladies — it’s a lot of talented ladies there — but nobody can play Whitney like me.”
Well, Rihanna has no issues with not being on the list. She think singers portraying singers on the big screen is void of acting range.
“I hate it when singers do singing movies all the time, because you can never look at them as anybody else” the singer said to “OK!” Magazine. “I want to play a character…My whole life is playing Rihanna; being a singer won’t be a stretch for me.” No word if Rihanna perspective has changed since Houston’s death.
Do you think Rihanna will make a great fit to portray Whitney?
In other news, a source tells TMZ, Whitney’s last film ‘Sparkle’ is being kept under lock and key to avoid any leaks and post production is being rushed on the film.
