Whitney Houston , making her first return to movies since 1996’s The Preacher’s Wife , is in negotiations to star in Sparkle , Sony Pictures remake of the 1976 music-themed drama. American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and actor Mike Epps also are set to star. Mara Brock Akil, who created and executive produces BET's hit comedy The Game , wrote the script while husband Salim Akil, who has helmed every episode of Game and many episodes of the UPN hit Girlfriends, is directing. Debra Martin Chase is producing with TD Jakes, the Akils and Curtis Wallace. The original Sparkle was inspired by the story of the Supremes , and centered on the three Williams sisters, who begin singing in their church choir in Harlem in the late 1950s and become a successful girl group. Their sudden rise unravels their personal lives. Sparks will play the title character, the talented member of the group while Houston will play her not-so encouraging mother. Epps will be Satin, a stand-up comedia