(CNN) — “Sparkle” producer T.D. Jakes has said he was amazed by Whitney Houston’s performance in the upcoming remake of the 1976 film, but unfortunately the actress and singer herself won’t be around to see it arrive in theaters.
Houston had just finished work on the movie when she passed away in February at the age of 48.
The film, loosely based on the story of The Supremes, is about a trio of sisters who have to face the difficulties that come along with fame as their singing careers take off in the Motown-era.
The story centers on the musically gifted Sparkle, portrayed by “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks. Sparkle is raised along with her two sisters (portrayed by Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) by their single mother (Houston) in Detroit when the three begin to form a girl group.
Houston’s Emma Williams, as depicted in the trailer, had sought her own fame for her voice before opting to showcase her talent in the church choir, and lived something of a “cautionary tale.”
Derek Luke’s character Stix, who manages the girl group, tells Sparkle in the clip, “Maybe you’ll be like your mom and never reach your goals, but don’t fall short because you can’t admit that you want it.”
Cee-Lo Green and Mike Epps also star in the feature, which arrives in theaters August 17.
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