The Color Purple

Steven Spielber, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey produce this all-star adaptation of the musical The Color Purple

The Color Purple is a musical period drama based on the acclaimed novel of the same name written by Alice Walker. This movie marks the second adaptation of the source material that was first made into a movie by Steven Spielberg in 1985.  The movie is a direct adaptation of the Broadway musical. Spielberg stays on as a producer for the movie alongside the iconic pairing of Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey. Oprah herself starred in the 1985 adaptation. Scott Sanders, the producer of the stage musical also joins as a producer on the project. Directing this adaptation is Ghanaian filmmaker and multimedia artist Blitz Bazawule. Bazawule impressed producer Oprah Winfrey with his 2018 movie The Burial of Kojo, which was a major factor leading to his landing the role of director.

This remake features an all-star cast of musicians and actors alike. The cast is led by American Idol winner, R&B singer, and actress Fantasia Barrino playing Celie Harris. Adding to the musical prowess of the cast is H.E.R., an Academy and Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter who plays Squeak. Iconic singer, songwriter, and dancer, Ciara Harris plays Nettie. While a young Nettie is portrayed by Halle Bailey, another singer-songwriter known for being one half of the music duo Chloe x Halle and also landing the role of Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. There is room for Colman Domingo, an acclaimed stage and screen actor who plays Mister. The stacked cast also includes Taraji P. Henson, known for her role in Hidden Figures who plays Shug Avery. Corey Hawkins, another Broadway alumni and screen actor in television and film portrays one of the lead characters in Harpo. Rounding out the stacked cast that is brimming with talent and glamour are Louis Gossett Jr., David Alan Grier, Aunjanue Ellis, Tamela J. Mann, and Deon Cole. The Color Purple was released in cinemas on December 25, 2023.