Making the leap from music to movies is hard to pull off. Take Glitter starring Mariah Carey and Burlesque (which I love & still defend!) starring Christina Aguilera as examples. Grammy winning singer and coach on The Voice, Cee-Lo Green has recently signed on for Sparkle. The movie also stars American Idol winner Jordin Sparks as an aspiring singer, aptly names Sparkle, and Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard), as her mother, according to Entertainment Weekly.
The remake of the 1976 film is written by Mara Brock Akil (Cougar Town) and will be directed by husband and partner Salim Akil (Jumping the Broom). IMDB claims that the story follows “three sisters [who] form a successful singing group and must deal with the fallout of fame and drugs.” Green will play the opening act to the Motown-era trio. Perhaps Houston’s role in the film will help with a much-needed comeback after her numerous bouts with drugs.
The not-so-original storyline could either bomb or blossom with an ensemble which also includes newcomer Michael Epps Jr., Tika Sumpter (Gossip Girl), Carmen Ejogo (Away We Go), Derek Luke (Captain America: The First Avenger), and Omari Hardwick (Dark Blue).
In addition, Sparks is coming off of a recent run on Broadway in the musical Spring Awakening, and this marks her big screen debut with original music which will be written by R&B star R. Kelly.
Set to being production next month, the film is slated for a 2014 release. What do you think of this team of actors? Does this story stand a chance at success? Do you want to see these recording artists acting on the big screen?
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