‘That’s scary’: Whitney Houston fans praise Naomi Ackie’s similarity to star in biopic trailer
British actor Ackie stars as the late singer in the forthcoming film ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Whitney Houston fans have shared their delighted reactions to the first trailer for the forthcoming biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
The film, which is scheduled for release in December, stars British actor Naomi Ackie as the revered vocalist.
The teaser clip gives audiences their first view of the actor in the role across various moments in her life and career.
Some of the scenes include Houston’s first time on stage, the filming of The Bodyguard and the star singing the US national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl.
After the release of the short video on Thursday (15 September), fans were quick to share their opinions on social media.
Early reactions have been positive, with people particularly approving of Ackie’s imitation of Houston’s speaking voice.
“Her speaking voice sounds just like Whitney Houston, THAT’S SCARY,” reads one impressed comment.
“She may not look like Whitney but she damn sure talks like her,” another fan wrote.
Elsewhere, some fans have shared their hopes that the film will honour the memory of the late “I Have Nothing” singer, who died by accidental drowning in 2012.
“I was apprehensive about this being made, but it looks classy and more of a celebratory vibe than a tragic one,” one formerly sceptical fan wrote.
Others cast in the Kasi Lemmons-directed film include Stanley Tucci as Clive Davis, and Houston’s long-time mentor Ashton Sanders as Bobby Brown, with Tamara Tunie and Clarke Peters playing the star’s parents, Cissy and John Houston.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
I Wanna Dance with Somebody will be released in US cinemas on 21 December, with a UK release date set for 26 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments