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Following the success of Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, Whitney Houston is the latest pop icon to receive the musical biopic treatment. The first trailer for I Wanna Dance with Somebody introduces us to British actress Naomie Ackie as the legendary singer.
Though Houston's own astonishing singing voice is used in the movie's performance scenes, Ackie seems to have perfectly captured the star's distinctive raspy speaking voice. The trailer gives us a glimpse of Houston being discovered by revered record industry executive Clive Davis – played by Stanley Tucci – and shows Houston facing accusations that her enormously popular music "isn't Black enough."
There are also teasing glimpses of the movie's recreation of Houston's iconic performance at the 1991 Super Bowl. Houston's mother Cissy, herself a successful singer, features prominently in the trailer too – played by Tamara Tunie.

Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou, Harriet) directs the film from a script by Bohemian Rhapsody screenwriter Anthony McCarten. The movie is set to open in theaters on December 21.
The real-life Clive Davis, who is a producer on the movie, recently explained the decision to use Houston's own singing voice in the movie. "We just didn't think anyone could capture her vocal genius," he told USA Today.
Are you looking forward to seeing Naomie Ackie in I Wanna Dance with Somebody?