Whitney Houston's Final Movie Fast-Tracked to Theaters
(Image source: Zap2It)
BY BRICE SANDER
It was supposed to be Whitney Houston’s big comeback – a remake of the 1976 movie “Sparkle.” But, Houston died before the movie made it to the big screen. “Sparkle’s” studio, Sony, claimed it would keep the film’s original August 17 release date, but TMZ reports studio officials have changed their minds.
“Sources connected to the production tell us ... the people working on ‘Sparkle’ … are working ‘around the clock’ to finish post-production work on the movie as quickly as possible. We're told the building where the film is being edited is also under tight watch...”
Why the rush? Boston’s WFXT explains.
“Part of the reason for the rush is fear that Houston's final performance will leak online … ‘Sparkle’ will be the first time Houston is seen on the big screen since ‘The Preacher's Wife’ in 1996.”
Part of Houston’s performance did leak, when Entertainment Tonight aired its final interview with the star earlier than expected.
WHITNEY HOUSTON: Singing
MARK STEINES: “Indeed, behind the scenes footage confirms Whitney’s voice was just fine.”
WHITNEY HOUSTON: Singing
The LA Times is urging Sony to think before jumping the gun – reminding the studio about the rushed release of Michael Jackson’s concert documentary, “This Is It,” soon after his death.
“Inevitably, there was a backlash from some fans and pundits. Did the studio have a fully realized film? Or was it hastily throwing together outtakes to cash in on a star's death? And even if it did have the goods, was it moving too soon … ?”
But a writer for The Grio says it makes sense to release the movie sooner rather than later.
“Yet ‘Sparkle’ represents a … chance to see a once-gifted but since-tarnished artist perform one last time … Jackson's film, released four months after his death, earned more than $ 250 million worldwide.”
This news breaks as rumors of a Houston biopic are circulating – with pop star Rihanna reportedly in talks to play the fallen star.
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