A Whitney Houston biopic is moving forward with the support of "many of the key people" who knew her "best".
A Clive Davis-produced project has long been talked about and the film now has a title, ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’, and screenwriter Anthony McCarten, who will pen the script for the production, has vowed to "authentically" tell the late singer’s story, following her death in 2012 aged 48.
He said in a statement: "We are incredibly lucky to have the support and input of many of the key people who knew Whitney the best and who were there at the time, in the making of this film.
"I am working closely with all of them, to authentically tell the extraordinary story of a peerless talent, taken from us too soon."
Clive – who mentored Whitney on her rise to fame – is recently said to have been "very disappointed" with two documentaries about the superstar, but he said Anthony has "committed to a no-holds-barred" screenplay.
He said: "From all my personal and professional experience with Whitney from her late teenage years to her tragic premature death, I know the full Whitney Houston story has not yet been told.
"I am so glad that Anthony McCarten has committed to a no-holds-barred, musically-rich screenplay that finally reveals the whole Whitney whose vocal genius deeply affected the world while she fiercely battled the demons that were to be her undoing."
Pat Houston – Whitney’s sister-in-law, who will also produce the motion picture – added: "Whitney’s legacy deserves only the best that can be given. I stand with the hearts of these partners being the chosen ones to produce a film that’s uplifting and inspiring to all that loved her, giving you a reason to continue to celebrate the voice that we all fell in love with and will cherish forever."
It’s not yet known who will helm the movie, but Stella Meghie is said to be in "advanced talks" to direct.
It comes after Pat recently admitted they were considering "several options" for the main role.
She said: "I love Taraji P. Henson. Taraji is my girl."
Speaking about Clive, she added: "Let me just say this. We have a wonderful relationship. Anything that we can do for him… it’s done."
‘No holds barred’ Whitney Houston biopic moving forward
