As the world prepares to memorialize fallen pop Icon Whitney Houston, news of her recently finished (and unfinished) ventures has increased circulation in media headlines. Much like her recently completed ‘Sparkle’ remake, opposite Jordin Sparks (now in theatres August 17th), fans were highly expecting Whitney’s return to the big screen as another beloved character – Savannah Jackson (of ‘Waiting To Exhale’).
With Houston, as well as co-stars Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine, very vocal about interest in rebooting the classic film, creator Terry McMillan and FOX studios were certainly on the fast track toward making it happen. Unfortunately, with last week’s news of Houston’s untimely passing, she marks the second of the film’s beloved cast to pass (Gregory Hines, 2003).
With saddened fans bittersweet about reports the movie’s sequel, ‘Getting To Happy’, will go forward in honor of both lost stars, rumors of recast and film plans have only increased chatter about long awaited movie. Speaking with our friends at HipHollywood, some of its cast members talk about the future of the film:
![Performances: Halle Bailey, Ashanti, Gladys Knight, JoJo, Smokey Robinson, & More Rock NBC's 'A Motown Christmas' [Watch]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ashanti-gladys-knight-thatgrapejuice-motown-christmas-nbc-smokey-halle-bailey-jordin-sparks-jojo-464x260.jpg "Performances: Halle Bailey, Ashanti, Gladys Knight, JoJo, Smokey Robinson, & More Rock NBC's 'A Motown Christmas' [Watch].")
No suprise that Loretta is for the re-cast or whatever, she need the money! F*** this film! It won’t be the same without Whitney. 🙁
I”ll take her place!
I wish I could, but then again- they will never cast a gay black male.
I think he said they shouldn’t move forward because he wont be it now that she is gone. I think they should go on with it. and Kinda write about Whitney character. but still mention her.
i think they should go ahead with it. the lapse between both movies is a long time. art afterall imitates life ALOT coulda happened between that time period. however a honourable mention is only appropriate in fact throw in a footage of one of Whitney’s stellar performances. Her legacy will forever live on. Like Loretta said, Whitney had alot to do with the success of the first one. this is one of the many reasons she will never be forgotten. she’s just accomplished more than enough, up, above and beyond
God bless her soul.
I think they should go with it .I think Whitney would want it that way
I won’t support but ho ahead anyway. If they do go ahead, let it just be the three remaining characters. Don’t recast Savannah.
I wish they would not do this movie without Whitney. It would not be the same. We would feel her presence not there. 🙁
Nobody else can be Savannah like Whitney can. The need to wite her off and bring in a new cast member.
IN her honor they need to write around WHITNEY HOUSTON>>I wouldnt want to see no one else play her role.
I love angela bassett but I wont be seeing this piece of s*** movie. Sequels=flop
They can do the movie and honor her in the movie. Don’t recast Savannah but the three friends can talk about her life (Savannah that is) and show pictures.
No…they DO NOT need to replace Whitney. I’ve read ‘Getting to Happy’ and the plot primarily centers on Savannah’s character. Whitney played Savannah….so..what does that mean? I think they should have the character die on her way to see the other girls after she has left her husband,because in the book; the couple is having marital issues. It will resonate well with Whitney’s fans and in an eery way…bring some type of closure. They’ve done this type of things on sitcoms before and it worked. I just think it will make the movie better to just let Savannah die and not replace Whitney. Hines’ character should not be replaced either. McMillan did a rewrite in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ where Whoopi Goldberg played the friend who eventually died. In the book, Stella’s friend was already dead when the book starts. This can be done with class if done correctly.
Realistically, I think since Whitney wasn’t the lead actress it would be ok to recast her part. It would damage the film to not include her character because it was about the sisterhood bond.
The big “what if” is how the soundtrack will play out. The previous one included Brandy, Mary, Toni, Chaka, TLC, Aretha and Co. and swept numerous awards but Whitney’s Shoop made Billboard history and the soundtrack gave her two #1 hits. Those shoes cannot be filled and anything less in terms of the ensemble will be viewed as an utter failure.
I think they should go ahead and make the movie.
Whitney was not the lead actress, she was the most famous. And she was the reason why they were not able to make a sequel earlier.
They don’t need to recast Savannah, they can introduce a new character and cast Halle Berry or Paula Patton for the part. Alicia Keys is my personal choice, she would be fantastic.
Hmmm… not sure about this.
Can see pros and cons.
@Sam To say Loretta Devine needs the money I think you need to go back and do your homework. Loretta Devine is one of the few black actresses in Hollywood that has continuously worked since the late 70’s early 80’s. She has done Broadway, Film and T.V. though I’m sure if it happens she would want to do the film I doubt she is starved out for a sequel to Waiting to Exhale !!! I personally don’t think it should be done now and definitely NOT a recast.
According to Shadow and Act, the studios are hoping Oprah will take over the role since Oprah is looking to revive her film career. While I don’t like the idea of the role being recast I think Oprah will do a decent if not great job with the role.
Halle Berry their about same age range
*they are
I will not be seeing it.
Personally I say it should go on just like they have decided to carry on “Sparkle” without Aaliyah…. If Recast I think Dawnn Lewis (Julissa) would make a good Savannah… #imjustsayin…… There is so much MORE right about this film, NOBODY PROSPERS FROM NOT GIVING THIS FILM A LIFE, ITS JUST A WASTE OF LIFE FOR THE OTHER 100 COMMITED AND DEPENDING ON THIS PROJECT, you never know who will get their start on this film…. I WOULD SUPPORT THIS PROJECT FOR SURE
I believe Ms. Whitney Houston would want this film to go forward. However, there are only a few who could play Savannah in the place of Whitney. My suggestions include: Janet Jackson or Halle Barry. I prefer Janet Jackson because she would bring a great presence!