Search
Close this search box.

Director Kasi Lemmons Talks Whitney Houston Biopic and Her Personal Bond with Singer

Kasi Lemmons
Kasi Lemmons / Getty

*Director Kasi Lemmons is speaking out about her personal relationship with the late Whitney Houston.

Lemmons helms the “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” biopic that is currently playing in theaters nationwide. She tells EW that she was able to embed her intimate knowledge about the singer into the production.

“I had a personal relationship with [Whitney], because I wrote two scripts for her,” Lemmons tells EW. “So I got to meet her, and I got to see her as the woman who was behind the icon. That moved me tremendously. I met her father at the same time, so I got to know John Houston and that dynamic, and how she was very different than the image, and how he was very protective of the image. I knew all that going into the movie, and I tried to bring all that into the film.”

Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou, Harriet) directed the Houston biopic from a script written by Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody). The film stars British actress Naomi Ackie as the Whitney and Ashton Sanders as Bobby Brown.

READ MORE: Ashton Sanders on Playing Bobby Brown in New Whitney Houston Biopic | EUR Video Exclusive

I Want to Dance With Somebody

Legendary music executive Clive Davis produced the film along with Houston’s sister-in-law Pat Houston.

“From New Jersey choir girl to one of the best-selling and most awarded recording artists of all time, audiences are taken on an inspirational, poignant—and so emotional—journey through Houston’s trailblazing life and career,” over the official synopsis, CNN reports

“Properly telling the honest, ‘no-holds-barred’ story of Whitney Houston is an exceptional responsibility,” Davis told Variety’sStrictly Business“ podcast in 2020. “Kasi Lemmons not only brings a highly-acclaimed, award-winning track record but possesses a clear understanding of Whitney as the matchless icon who triumphed musically while valiantly struggling with addiction.”

Ackie said in an earlier interview that “Preparing to play Whitney Houston has been an incredible experience. I’ve learnt so much more about her and myself than I could have imagined. I’m so excited to get on that film set and honor her legacy! With Kasi on board, I know we can create something truly wonderful.”

Lemmons said her takeaway from the biopic is Houston’s “love for the audience, and needing that love, and the love that she gave the audience.”

“Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is now in theaters.

We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!

Sean 'Diddy' Combs being arrested - TMZ video screenshot
Suge Knight - Diddy
Oprah Winfrey (Mike Blake-Reuters via CNN Newsource)
Amber Rose - via Instagram
Jomo Jesus Thomas Suriel
Donny Hathaway - GettyImages
Sean Diddy Combs (screenshot)
Nelly - Getty
Lalah Hathaway - Malcolm Ali
Kwame Kilpatrick
Tyrese Gibson
Read More
Lizzo (Getty)
Read More
Tim Walz at 2024 DNC - screenshot
Read More
Elon Musk - Getty
Read More
Shannon Sharpe - IG screenshot
Read More
Tito Jackson
Read More
Monica and Brandy
Read More
Ghostface Killah
Read More
Altered pic of Sean Diddy Combs (center) and Kamala Harris (and Montel Williams' daughter on right)
Read More
Lori Harvey
Read More

POPULAR

Sean 'Diddy' Combs being arrested - TMZ video screenshot
Diddy's Sudden Arrest: A Life-Changing Moment Caught on Camera | WATCH-it-Happen
Suge Knight - Diddy
Don't Squat to Pee! Suge Knight Offers Jail/Prison Survival Tips to Sean Combs
Oprah Winfrey (Mike Blake-Reuters via CNN Newsource)
Here is Why Oprah Winfrey’s Latest Documentary on Her Life is Not Coming Out | VIDEO
Amber Rose - via Instagram
She's All in - Amber Rose Backs Controversial Trump Claims on Pet-Eating Immigrants | VIDEO
Jomo Jesus Thomas Suriel
Meet Jomo Jesus Thomas Suriel: The 8-Year-Old Author Transforming Children's Literature
Donny Hathaway - GettyImages
Charity Event For Suicide Lifeline Pays Well-Intended Yet Uneven Tribute To Music Legend Donny Hathaway
Sean Diddy Combs (screenshot)
Diddy IS on Suicide Watch - Attorney Claims Routine Measure for High-Profile Inmate | VIDEO
Nelly - Getty
Decades Later St. Lunatics File Lawsuit Against Nelly Over 'Country Grammar' in Royalty Dispute
Lalah Hathaway - Malcolm Ali
Lalah Hathaway WOWS L.A.’s Wiltern Theater in a Celebration of Black Musical Genius
1 2 3 8,303