Earlier today, Sony Pictures dropped the poster for the Whitney Houston biopic "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." In the poster, Naomi Ackie, who is portraying the legendary singer, stands with her head and arms thrown back in a first look at the film.

In the shot, Ackie is dressed in an iconic Houston ensemble, which comprises a black leather jacket, white T-shirt, and jeans, evoking the singer's memory. Bright stage lights illuminate Ackie, further bringing a glamorous, superstar image.

(Photo : Courtesy of Sony Pictures)

In addition to Ackie, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" also stars Ashton Sanders as Whitney's ex-husband Bobby Brown, Bria Danielle Singleton as the former couple's late daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, Nafessa Williams as Whitney's former assistant Robyn Crawford, and Stanley Tucci as Whitney's mentor, the producer Clive Davis.

Encouragingly, the film also has some of Houston's team and family behind it. Houston's sister-in-law and former manager Pat Houston is producing "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" on behalf of the Houston Estate. Davis will also be producing, along with Larry Mestel, Denis O'Sullivan, Jeff Kalligheri and McCarten.

In a statement in the Hollywood Reporter, Pat Houston revealed, "To transform someone into a matchless icon is virtually impossible. But with careful consideration, Naomi Ackie was selected based on her quality performances and her deep commitment to emerging into the woman that we all loved. We look forward to taking this journey with her."

We're looking forward to seeing Ackie embody Houston in the upcoming film. If the poster is anything to go by, it looks like the actress is well on her way to filling in the shoes of the musical icon.

"I Wanna Dance with Somebody" will be exclusively hitting theaters on December 21, 2022.

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Tags: sony pictures I Wanna Dance With Somebody Whitney Houston Naomi Ackie