We can always rely on a reboot to get us excited when it comes to pending film releases. Over the past few weeks we've had the pleasure of some exciting news on this front, including the reveal of Rooney Mara in the Audrey Hepburn Biopic. Now, our superhero Oprah has just unveiled the new cast for the pending The Color Purple adaption.
Never one to to mince words, in a statement the queen journalist teased to Vanity Fair, “This ain’t your mama’s Color Purple,”. A comment that has certainly peaked considerable casting interest. Not giving too much away in her teaser, Oprah has established that the film will follow along the many similar themes of both the musical and the 1985 Stephen Spielberg film. Below are all the details we know about the film so far.
What is the plot of The Color Purple adaptation?
Like the film and musical before it, the plot centres around Alice Walker’s classic 1982 novel about Black women living in the rural South in the early part of the 20th century; as they endure unfathomable hardship and rise up despite an endless cycle of abuse. The original cemented Winfrey's first appearance in film, and received eleven Oscar nods in total.
Who is involved in the latest adaptation?
The film will include a number of notable musical actresses, including some from the musical adaptation. R&B singer and former American Idol contestant Fantasia will play the lead role of Celie — carrying on the role she played on Broadway in 2007.
Taraji P. Henson will play the role of Shug Avery, and Colman Domingo (Euphoria), will play Celie’s husband. H.E.R. plays the role of Squeak, and Danielle Brooks will play Sofia, who was originally portrayed by Winfrey.
Many will remember Brooks from her role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson on the Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black.
Winfrey will produce alongside Broadway producer Scott Sanders. The producer claiming that the film will have more elements of magical realism than its gritty original. No announcement for a release has been given just yet, with the film due to begin production in Georgia next month. In the meantime, enjoy this delightful snippet of Danielle Brooks receiving the news of her casting from our queen Oprah.
Blessing upon blessings. So grateful to announce I’ll be playing Sofia in the upcoming Color Purple movie. Here’s a clip of how I found out I got the part from Oprah herself. 💜💜for full video head to my IG: daniebb3 pic.twitter.com/DqhGz5yilb
— Danielle Brooks (@thedanieb) February 4, 2022
