Idrag4mj Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 "Sparkle" director Salim Akil has already cast Whitney Houston in Sony's music-themed drama, and now another Grammy winner has enlisted in the ensemble, as Cee-Lo Green has joined the cast along with Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter and Omari Hardwick. Additionally, R&B artist R. Kelly has signed on to write original music for the soundtrack. Pic is a remake of the 1976 film that centered on the three Williams sisters, who began singing in their church choir in Harlem in the late 1950s and went on to become a successful girl group, though their sudden rise took a toll on their personal lives. Remake takes place in 1968 Detroit during the rise of Motown. "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks stars as the title character, a music prodigy who struggles to become a star as she overcomes issues that are tearing her family apart. Ejogo and Sumpter will play Sparks' siblings, Sister and Dolores, respectively, while Houston plays the trio's mother. Green will play a singer who serves as the girls' opening act. Pic also stars Derek Luke as Stix, an aspiring Motown manager who discovers the sisters and eventually falls for Sparkle. Hardwick will play his cousin, Levi, who falls for Ejogo's character but turns to a life of crime after she's stolen from him by Detroit comic Satin Struthers, who will be played by Mike Epps. Akil is directing from a script by Mara Brock Akil. Duo are also producing along with Debra Martin Chase, TD Jakes and Curtis Wallace. Houston is exec producing with Howard Rosenman and Gaylyn Fraiche. Production starts Oct. 10 in Detroit. WME-repped Green, who's currently a vocal coach on NBC's "The Voice," will voice the role of Murray the Mummy in Sony Pictures Animation's "Hotel Transylvania." Ejogo, who starred on the CBS series "Chaos," will soon be seen as Tyler Perry's wife in "I, Alex Cross." She is repped by IFA Talent Agency. Sumpter, best known for her roles on ABC's "One Life to Live" and the CW's "Gossip Girl," will next be seen in 20th Century Fox's comedy "What's Your Number?" She is repped by Cunningham Escott Slevin & Dougherty. Hardwick, who previously appeared in "The A-Team" and "Kick-Ass," recently wrapped Dan Pritzker's "Bolden!" He's repped by Greene & Associates Talent Agency and Medavoy Management. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Wonder Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I wonder who's gonna sing "Giving Him Something He Can Feel".... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reyna ♔ Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 :sigh: :sigh: :sigh: One sigh for every name they picked + the director. Omari...okay, maybe. The rest...see above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bailey Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I wonder who's gonna sing "Giving Him Something He Can Feel".... Bobby? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Wonder Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 Bobby? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn1814 Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 :sigh: :sigh: :sigh: One sigh for every name they picked + the director. Omari...okay, maybe. The rest...see above. I'm glad you corrected yourself.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reyna ♔ Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I'm glad you corrected yourself.. If any he's the only one that I feel is a decent choice. I still don't want them to do this movie, though. It's far too classic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bailey Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I bet he would take the gig if they offered it to him I feel a hot ass mess coming on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn1814 Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 If any he's the only one that I feel is a decent choice. I still don't want them to do this movie, though. It's far too classic I really really really love him.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reyna ♔ Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I really really really love him.. I know you do I'm not satisfied with his co-stars though. there's no-one to really give the other characters anything that the first movie didn't. They're pretty much downgrading minus him. It's like P.Diddy's version of "A Raisin in the Sun" with the only decent actor/actress being Phylicia Rashad. Omari the only one I care for here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn1814 Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I know you do I'm not satisfied with his co-stars though. there's no-one to really give the other characters anything that the first movie didn't. They're pretty much downgrading minus him. It's like P.Diddy's version of "A Raisin in the Sun" with the only decent actor/actress being Phylicia Rashad. Omari the only one I care for here. I can't even remember this film to comment on it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reyna ♔ Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I can't even remember this film to comment on it.. It's one of the few reasons I hate having a photographic memory... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idrag4mj Posted September 24, 2011 Author Share Posted September 24, 2011 i think the movie will be done tastefully...these a re the producers of jumping broom ..i haven't watched that movie but most people like it so ..i can see this doing well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bailey Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I really really really love him.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Wonder Posted September 24, 2011 Share Posted September 24, 2011 I bet he would take the gig if they offered it to him I feel a hot ass mess coming on Does he need the money? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henrietta. Posted September 25, 2011 Share Posted September 25, 2011 Lil Mama should play Dolores. She looks just like the woman who played her in the original. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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