Cee Lo Green to Star in ‘Sparkle’ Remake

Eccentric pop star Cee Lo Green has been tapped to star in the remake of the blaxploitation film 'Sparkle,' according to Variety. The 1976 movie tells the story of three Williams sisters from Harlem, N.Y., in the late '50s who went on to become a successful girl group. But the girls' sudden rise to fame soon disrupt their own personal lives.

In director Salim Akil's remake, the story takes place in 1968 Detroit during the rise of Motown Records. Cee Lo's role in the movie wouldn't be a stretch for him -- he will portray an aspiring singer who serves as the girls' opening act. He joins previously cast R&B songbird Jordin Sparks, who will play the title character; and Whitney Houston is supposedly on board to play her hard-working mother, Effie.

In addition, R. Kelly has been assigned to produced music for the film's accompanying soundtrack. The movie also stars Mike Epps as Detroit comedian Satin Struthers and Derek Luke as Stix, an aspiring Motown manager who discovers the sisters and eventually falls for Sparkle (Sparks).

Houston is among the executive producers of the film along with Howard Rosenman and Gaylyn Fraiche. Filming on 'Sparkle' is expected to start on Oct. 10 in Detroit.