Whitney Houston’s next biopic has just found its main character. The film is the first to be licensed by the Houston family and estate. Moonlight Star Ashton Sanders has been cast as Houston’s 14-year-old husband R&B bad boy Bobby Brown. Sources also reveal to Deadline that Black Label Media is co-financing the film with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave Music. As for who will play herself as Houston, British actress Naomi Ackie is the star.

Sanders is one of Hollywood’s most requested actors. He is currently playing the role of Rza in the Hulu series. Wu-Tang: an American saga. Sanders’ other credits include Equalizer 2 and All day and one night. He is represented by Hyperion and Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson.

The Houston Biopic I want to dance with someone is directed by Kasi Lemmons. Stella Meghie will also produce the project. The screenplay is written by Anthony McCarten and promises to take audiences on an emotional and energetic journey through Houston’s career and music.

Houston and Brown tied the knot at the singer’s New Jersey mansion in 1992. The couple met at the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards. In March 1993, Bobbi Kristina Brown was born. She was the couple’s only child together. Brown has three children from a previous marriage. After years of tabloid fodder, Houston filed for divorce in 2006 citing irreconcilable differences.

Sony Pictures won the tender for the distribution of the film. “Whitney just makes you want to get out of your seat and sing and dance!” Hollywood journalist TriStar director Nicole Brown reported in a statement on the project. “She’s an anthem by all accounts. Anthony McCarten has bottled that up in his masterful screenplay bringing this beloved legend to life in a way we’ve never seen it before – funny, exhilarating, ambitious, complex and incredibly human. Add to that Stella Meghie, a die-hard fan, who is so good at telling beautiful modern and feminine stories. With guidance from Pat Houston, the legendary Clive Davis, Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri, we have the absolute dream team to create the ultimate celebration of Whitney’s amazing life and musical achievement. “

Other film projects that have chronicled the lives of Houston and Brown include the movie Lifetime Whitney and Bobby and BET Bobby Brown’s Story. I want to dance with someone hits theaters on December 23, 2022.