The Lifetime Original movie that will tell the life story of the late Whitney Houston has found its leading lady in Yaya Alafia (formerly known as Yaya DaCosta).
Tentatively titled, Whitney Houston, the film will chronicle the headline-making relationship between the iconic singer, actress, producer and model, and singer, songwriter Bobby Brown – from the time they first met at the very height of their celebrity, to their courtship and tumultuous marriage.
The film, which will focus on the early years of the relationship between Houston and Brown will be set in the late 1980’s to early 1990’s, during the first five years together following the couple’s initial meeting in 1989, through 1994. In 1989, Whitney was 26 and Bobby was just 20 years old.
This is a major opportunity for Alafia, who gets to step into a high-profile role. Her casting is clearly high-risk and high-reward and depending on the screenplay, what she is asked to do and the chemistry she has with the actor who will be cast as Brown will be important determining factors of the film’s ultimate success.
She clearly has the striking looks to portray the pop diva, it will be interesting to see how Bassett pulls all of the elements together.
Alafia was recently seen in Lee Daniels’ The Butler, and in Neil Drumming’s indie dramedy Big Words.
The film will mark the directorial debut of close Houston film and Oscar nominee, Angela Bassett. She will be working in familiar company with the team behind her last Lifetime film, Betty and Coretta.
Brown’s character has not been cast.