Whitney will play Effie, the mother of Sparkle, in movie. This film is the remake of the 1976 film of the same tiltle Sparkle, Sony Pictures announced that it was remaking Sparkle with Debra Martin Chase as Producer, and husband-and-wife team Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil as Writer and Director, respectively. The Akils will also co-produce the film. The new version will also be starred by the singer of R&B American Idol-winner Jordin Sparks and actor Derek Luke. The film is slated to begin production October 10 in Detroit. The movie will be released on August 17. 2012.