STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Derek Luke Cast in Sparkle Remake

The actor will star along with Whitney Houston, Mike Epps and "American Idol’s" Jordin Sparks.

Derek Luke is about to go old school for his next big-screen role.

 

The Antwone Fisher star has been cast in the 1976 remake of the film classic Sparkle, according to BlackFilm.com.

 

Directed by Salim Akil, with a script written by his wife, Mara Brock Akil, Luke will play the role of “Stix.” Actor Philip Michael Thomas of Miami Vice fame portrayed the character in the original movie.

 

Sparkle tells the story of three church choir singing sisters in 1950s Harlem, who become a successful pop girl group. But with their success, various hardships and tragedy enter their personal lives. It has been reported that this updated version of the movie will move the storyline forward to the late 1960s and that its setting will switch to a Motown-era Detroit.

 

Stix is the love interest of youngest sister "Sparkle," who will be portrayed by American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. Funny man Mike Epps will play the destructive comedian “Satin,” who steers one of the sisters down a dark path and pop icon Whitney Houston will be the onscreen mom for the talented musical sibling trio.

 

Luke was last seen on the recently canceled Jada Pinkett Smith hospital drama series HawthoRNe.

 

Sparkle is scheduled to begin production in October 2011.

(Photo: Albert L. Ortega/PictureGroup)

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