Whitney will play Emma, the mother of Sparkle, in movie. This film is the remake of the 1976 film of the same tiltle Sparkle, Sony Pictures announced that it was remaking Sparkle with Debra Martin Chase as Producer, and husband-and-wife team Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil as Writer and Director, respectively. The Akils will also co-produce the film. The new version will also be starred by the singer of R&B American Idol-winner Jordin Sparks and actor Derek Luke. The film is slated to begin production October 10 in Detroit. It is planned that the film will be released in 2012.
Music
The remake will feature songs from the original movie (Curtis Mayfield) as well as new music by R. Kelly. Furthermore, it is planned that Whitney will sing two gospel songs in the film.
"Celebrate" in duet with Jordin Sparks and "His Eyes On His Sparrows"
"Celebrate" in duet with Jordin Sparks and "His Eyes On His Sparrows"
Cast
- Whitney Houston as Effie Anderson
- Jordin Sparks as Sparkle Anderson
- Derek Luke as Stix
- Carmen Ejogo as Sister Anderson
- Tika Sumpter as Delores Anderson
- Mike Epps as Satin
- Omari Hardwick as Levi
- Cee Lo Green as an opening act for the trio
Photos
Background
The original Sparkle, made in 1976; was a big success. The film became an African American cult classic. The original starres Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith, Mary Alice, Dorian Harewood, and Tony King. Curtis Mayfield served as the composer and producer of Sparkle’s songs and score.
In 2001 Warner Bros. was going to produce a modern remake version of Sparkle, produced by Whitney Houston’s production company, starring Aaliyah as Sparkle. But with Aaliyah’s death later that year the idea was scraped.
In 2011, Sony Pictures announced that it was remaking Sparkle, with Debra Martin Chase as Producer, and husband-and-wife team Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil as Writer and Director, respectively. The Akils will also co-produce the film. The remake will take place in 1968, Detroit, during Motown rise. As per Debra Martin Chase, Whitney will receive executive producer credit for this movie.
