the biopic journey that chronicles whitney houston
this thursday, cinemas are set to welcome I Want To Dance With Someone, a cinematic portrait of a legendary singer and actress. the film traces whitney houston’s life from her early days in a new jersey church choir to the moment she became a global music icon, selling more than 200 million records along the way.
directed by Kasi Lemmons, the screenplay crafted by academy award nominee Anthony McCarten, and produced with the influence of iconic music executive clive davis, the movie invites viewers into the sound, the struggle, and the humanity behind the fame. naomi ackie takes on the role of houston, stepping into a character that has left an indelible mark on the music world. ackie is joined on screen by stanley tucci as clive davis, and by a cast that includes talent portraying houston herself, robert brown, and ashton sanders in the role of houston’s husband. nafessa williams portrays robyn crawford, a close confidant and friend who stood beside the singer during pivotal moments of her life.
in talks with people magazine, ackie shared her excitement about the project and her eagerness to meet the expectations of fans who want to see clearly who houston was beyond the stage lights. ackie expressed a lighthearted confidence about the journey, noting that the process would involve listening, learning, and possibly revisiting decisions with guidance from those who knew houston best. she offered a playful glimpse of the collaboration, saying that the cast might explore new interpretations if the opportunity arises.
ackie has become known for a range of recent roles, including a key appearance in star wars the rise of skywalker and a standout performance in netflixs the end of the f***ing world. the film’s intent, however, is to depict houston as a human being, addressing the pressures of fame and the personal battles that accompanied her rise to superstardom. ackie described the mission as one of compassion, emphasizing that addiction is a disease and that those who struggle with it deserve empathy and understanding rather than judgment. the goal is to present houston with nuance, recognizing both her artistry and the vulnerabilities that accompanied her career.
the actress underscored the importance of approaching houston with honesty and care, arguing that public fascination with celebrities can amplify expectations to a harsh degree. by centering the portrait on human experiences rather than myth, the film aims to offer a more balanced view that resonates with audiences who have followed houston’s career for decades. the message is clear: even among the brightest stars, personal challenges are a part of the story, and compassion can pave a more truthful narrative.
family sanction
director Kasi Lemmons echoed a similar sentiment, expressing a desire to illuminate houston’s humanity within the film. the project earned the family’s blessing, with a commitment to including voices from houston’s own world during the film’s musical numbers and key moments. the involvement of houston’s circle aims to provide a respectful and authentic portrayal that honors the singer’s legacy while inviting new audiences to understand her journey on a intimate level.
lemmons spoke about the creative process with a sense of collaboration and care. she recalled conversations that felt like a dialogue with houston herself, asking what she would think in moments of decision and how certain paths should be approached. when faced with crossroads or dead ends, the team leaned on the idea of checking in with houston and her closest confidants, ensuring that the storytelling remained grounded in reality rather than spectacle.
the filmmaker believes the film will ultimately be beneficial for audiences who want to understand not just a public icon, but a woman who navigated love, family, career, and personal trials. the intention is to present houston as a multifaceted person who thrived in music, cherished her roles as a daughter and sister, and maintained meaningful relationships that shaped her life. by weaving these dimensions together, the project aspires to celebrate the totality of houston’s humanity and to honor the enduring resonance of her music. delivering this message is a collaborative effort that respects the woman behind the legend while inviting viewers to reflect on the broader human experience that touches everyone who has ever faced fame and its consequences.