Mike Epps talks Sparkle, Whitney Houston, The Hangover 3

Mike Epps talks Sparkle, Whitney Houston, The Hangover 3
Posted by Elle Castro

August 13, 2012

Coming out on August 17th is the release of Sparkle, which stars Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Cee-Lo Green, Tamela Mann, Terrence J and Michael Beach.

Directed by Salim Akil, this is a remake of the 1976 urban classic that featured Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, Philip Michael Thomas and Dorian Harewood.

“Sparkle” tells the story of the title character; Sparkle, (Jordin Sparks) the youngest of three sisters and a music prodigy who struggles to becomes a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. Sparkle is from an affluent Detroit area, naive to the unexpected experiences her new life will bring as she and her two sisters blossom into a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era.

Mike Epps plays a wealthy comedian named Satin, who woos Sparkle’s sister into a drug-filled abusive relationship on their way to the top.

For the Indiana native, Sparkle gives him a chance to showcase a serious side to his talent that’s rarely seen on the big screen. Constantly making people laugh with his roles in Next Friday, All About The Benjamins, The Honeymooners, Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins, The Hangover, and 35 and Ticking, Epps is ready to show that he can do drama and comedy in the same film.

While promoting the film, Epps spoke to Blackfilm.com about his role in Sparkle, working with the late Whitney Houston, whether he’s ready to do dramatic roles, and his return in The Hangover Part III.