The 1976 musical drama “Sparkle” is getting an update, and Whitney Houston is in talks to star as Jordin Sparks’ mother.
Sparks has the female lead in the girl group flick, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and director Salim Akil (“Jumping the Broom”) is reportedly working on getting Houston for the film, but the singer’s rep tells CNN that there’s no firm deal yet.
It shouldn’t be difficult to get Houston on board with the role. As THR reminds us, the R&B diva has wanted to remake “Sparkle” for a while. She was once set to produce a Warner Bros. version that would’ve starred the late Aaliyah.
The original “Sparkle” was loosely based on the story of The Supremes. Sparks will play the titular character Sparkle, one of the three Williams sisters, with Houston (hopefully) as her mother Effie. Omar Epps is slated to play Satin, who marries one of the sisters.
“Sparkle” is said to have been the inspiration for the Broadway show and film “Dreamgirls.”
This will be the acting debut for “American Idol” alum Jordin Sparks.
