Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks 'Sparkle' for that new the new sony

The brand new the new sony Pictures is rounding up a sparkling cast due to its remake in the 1976 music-designed pic "Sparkle," as Whitney Houston is at discussions to participate "The The American Idol Show ShowInch champion Jordin Sparks and Mike Epps inside the film, which Salim Akil is pointing in the script by Mara Brock Akil. Debra Martin Chase, TD Jakes and Curtis Wallace are coming up with with the Akils, while Houston will professional produce with Howard Rosenman and Gaylyn Fraiche. Tri-Star Pictures will distribute the film in colaboration with Stage 6 Films. Production is skedded to start the next month. Original pic adopted three brothers and sisters who begin singing inside their chapel choir in Harlem inside the late 19 fifties and look at be considered a effective girl group. Their sudden rise unravels their personal lives. Remake will probably be occur 1968 Detroit, throughout the increase of Motown. Story will concentrate on the youngest sister, a music prodigy named Sparkle (Sparks), and her find it difficult to become star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. "Sparkle" will probably be Houston's first starring film role in 15 years, as she last toplined Cent Marshall's 1996 pic "The Preacher's Wife." The Grammy-winning recording artist formerly starred in "Waiting to Exhale and "The Bodyguard." Project reunites director Akil with Epps, who starred inside the helmer's wedding pic "Jumping the Broom," which made greater than $37 million in your area taken. Epps, who's most broadly noted for his comedy turns in "The Hangover" and "The Recently-weds on the honeymoon," remains featuring his dramatic chops lately, while he recently wrapped the indie thriller "Vipaka," which stars Forest Whitaker and Anthony Mackie. Epps' next gig is hosting this years Wager Stylish-Hop Honours. Sparks, who won the sixth season of "The The American Idol Show Show,Inch can be a Grammy-nominated platinum recording artists who'll make her feature film debut in "Sparkle." Sparks is repped by CAA, while WME reps Houston. Epps is repped by ICM. Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com