Naomi Ackie Will Play <br />Whitney Houston in <br />Upcoming Biopic .<br />Ackie, most known for her role as Jannah <br />in 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,' .<br />will reportedly portray the late Houston <br />in 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody.'.<br />The film's director, Stella Meghie, spoke to 'The Hollywood Reporter' about the casting.<br />We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston, Stella Meghie, director, via 'The Hollywood Reporter'.<br />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, Stella Meghie, director, via 'The Hollywood Reporter'.<br />Co-producer Clive Davis <br />also praised Ackie's abilities.<br />Naomi Ackie's screen test was so powerful, it sent shivers up my spine ... I can't imagine a better choice for this iconic role, Clive Davis, via 'The Hollywood Reporter'.<br />'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' is slated <br />for a Thanksgiving 2022 release
