A new musical movie starring Whitney Houston will reportedly be released later this year.

The star's last big screen outing was in a remake of the drama Sparkle. She plays the mother of three girls in a musical group who struggle to cope with the trappings of fame and success. Sony has paid tribute to Whitney following her tragic death on Saturday.

"Like all those who knew and loved her, we are shocked and saddened and the world has lost an incomparable talent. Right now our thoughts are with her daughter, her family and her friends," the statement read.

Variety reports that Sparkle will be released in cinemas this summer.

Whitney enjoyed considerable success in Hollywood.

She starred in the hit 1992 movie The Bodyguard alongside Kevin Costner and recorded a best-selling album to accompany the romantic drama. She later appeared in The Preacher's Wife in 1996. At the time she is believed to have earned around $10 million per movie, making her one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.

Whitney had been recently expressing her delight at returning to acting.

She was an executive producer on Sparkle and had also recorded some songs for the soundtrack.

The 48-year-old star had felt the time was right to step in front of the camera again.

'I am older, I have matured,' she explained in November. 'I feel honoured, I feel humbled that I am still able to do what I do.'

Whitney had finished shooting all her scenes before she died.

Sparkle was originally made in 1976 and was inspired by the story of girl group the Supremes. The remake also stars Jordin Sparks, Cee Lo Green and Mike Epps.