Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks, Mike Epps to star in ‘Sparkle’ remake

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011 at 8:56 am , filed under Upcoming Movies by Thomson

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Sony Pictures 1976 music-themed drama ‘Sparkle’ is set for remake and Whitney Houston is making her first return to the big screen since 1996’s ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. In addition to Houston, the American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks and actor Mike Epps are also set to star in the ‘Sparkle’ remake. The creator and executive producer of the BET’s hit comedy ‘The Game’, Mara Brock Akil has written the script and her husband Salim Akil was set for the directing department who has helmed every episode of ‘The Game’ and many episodes of UPN hit, ‘Girlfriends’. The producing is done by Derba Martin Chase.

The 1976 ‘Sparkle’ movie was inspired by the story of Supremes and has it centres on three William sisters who being singing in their church choir in Harlem in the late 1950s and has become a successful girl group and their sudden rise unravels their personal lives. The talented member of the group Sparks will play the title character while Houston will be playing her not-so encouraging mother. Mike Epps is set for Satin role who is a stand-up comedian who marries one of the sisters and gets her hooked on drugs.

In the original ‘Sparkle’, Irene Cara played Sparkle and the Oracle of the ‘Matrix’ movies, Mary Alice has portrayed Effie. Satin was played by Tony King. Famously, Houston is known for her acting debut in ‘The Bodyguard’ in 1992 and has also appeared in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘Preacher’s Wife’. The last act for the actress is for the TV movie ‘Cinderella’ with Brandy Norwood in 1997. However, she was also involved with the project as a producer when it was originally set up at Warners, years ago. Epps reunites with Akils where he earlier starred in the surprise hit ‘Jumping the Broom’.

Tags: Jordin Sparks Sparkle remake, Mike Epps Sparkle Remake, Whitney Houston Sparkle remake