Naomi Ackie Channels Whitney Houston in ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ Poster

Whitney Houston and Naomi Ackie (Credit: Arista and Shutterstock)

It’s been over a year since Naomi Ackie landed the lead role in I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and now we have our first look at the actress in costume as late pop star Whitney Houston.

In the poster for the film released on Monday, Ackie is seen looking up to the sky with her arms outstretched.

She’s dressed simply –- blue jeans, a white top and leather jacket –- in an outfit and pose that should immediately be familiar to Whitney fans as a faithful recreation of the singer’s legendary “So Emotional” music video.

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Ackie has previously appeared in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Netflix’s The End of the F***ing World. This is her largest leading role to date.

“I’m going to try my best,” Ackie told Entertainment Tonight after she was cast as Houston. “That woman — it sends shivers down my spine how much she means to me, the world, Black women, and African American women. I’m going to throw my everything into making sure she is represented properly.”

I Wanna Dance With Somebody is directed by Kasi Lemmons, who has experience with biopics from her work on 2019’s Harriet. Lemmons will be working off of a script by Anthony McCarten, the writer who penned Bohemian Rhapsody. This is also mentioned on the poster.

The film has the support of the Houston estate and will be produced in conjunction with the late singer’s family and friends. It will make use of Houston’s extensive music catalogue, including her vocals.