First Look At Yaya DaCosta As Whitney Houston In Biopic

It was only a few weeks ago that Yaya DaCosta was announced as the official lead for the Whitney Houston biopic. Now we have a first look at DaCosta taking on the coveted role of the tragic singer Whitney Houston. As suspected DaCosta checks out as she has a striking resemblance to the late singer.

Going from the first photo Yaya DaCosta has Whitney Houston’s signature 80s style down, which was arguably Houston’s best era as an artist. It was before the singer became embroiled in an on-again-off-again marriage with singer Bobby Brown and before the reports of drug use.

Specifically Yaya’s pose is a recreation of the cover for the original 1987 album. Here’s a look at the original.

To recreate the pose The Butler star said that she didn’t have a big process behind the photo that has people squinting at the uncanny resemblance. The actress told Entertainment Weekly:

“I just looked at the picture and did the pose!”

As we reported the Lifetime Whitney Houston biopic will be directed by Houston’s Waiting To Exhale co-star Angela Bassett. Although it has been called an “unofficial biopic” this is the first time anyone has tried to take Houston’s life to the screen. As we know Whitney Houston was found dead at the age of 48 on the eve of the Grammys. She was in town for the event when she was found in her bathtub in 2012.

It’s said that the Lifetime biopic will cover the years of the Pop diva’s rise to fame as well as her fall, which includes her relationship with Bobby Brown. As far as if the film will be biased or not, Angela Bassett told US Weekly that this will be a full look at the artist.

When asked if she would portray Houston’s trying marriage with Bobby Brown, she said:

“I have such regard for both Whitney’s and Bobby’s amazing talents and accomplishments; and I feel a responsibility in the telling of their story…. Their humanity and bond fascinates us all. I’m beyond excited to have this opportunity to go behind the camera and into their world.”

As of right now it’s unclear whether or not Yaya DaCosta will sing or if Houston’s voice will be used for her hits. DaCosta will probably have to sing if the production has to go to Houston’s estate for permission to use the songs. Bobbi Kristina and the rest of Whitney’s estate has said that the biopic is in poor taste. The family believes that a tribute should be on the big screen and not on the small screen.

[Image via Lifetime Television]