Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker star to play Whitney Houston in biopic

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker star Naomi Ackie has landed the role of Whitney Houston in an upcoming biopic.

The actress – who played Jannah in the 2019 blockbuster, won a BAFTA earlier this year for The End of the F**king World and recently starred in Small Axe – will lead I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ackie is currently in negotiations to star in the 2022 movie, which will be written by Bohemian Rhapsody's Anthony McCarten and directed by The Photograph's Stella Meghie.

Related: Star Wars' Naomi Ackie on school days and spin-offs

"We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston," Meghie said.

"Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life."

Houston, who passed away in 2012, was one of the best-known and most successful recording artists of all time. She sold over 200 million records with hits such as 'I Will Always Love You', 'So Emotional' and 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)'.

Related: Star Wars newcomer reveals surprising reaction to watching Rise of Skywalker

"Naomi Ackie's screen test was so powerful, it sent shivers up my spine," added music producer Clive Davis, who will produce alongside the likes of Pat Houston of the Whitney Houston estate.

"Although Whitney's incomparable vocals are used for all the songs, Naomi's extraordinary acting range enables her to masterfully capture Whitney's unique charm, star power, and, of course, her personal struggles.

"Naomi is the real deal and I can't imagine a better choice for this iconic role."

I Wanna Dance With Somebody is set for release on Thanksgiving 2022.

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Sam Warner

Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.