when Purple Released in 1985, it marked a change in the rhythm of Steven Spielberg’s typical blockbuster. This period drama is based on the best-selling novel by Alice Walker, who served as the film’s consultant and writer. The film went on to become a major commercial hit, grossing $142 million worldwide and earning 11 Oscar nominations. The acclaimed film lives on as its legacy and popularity grow. This led to an original stage musical being brought to Broadway in 2005, the success of the stage adaptation sparked a revival in 2015, and discussions about a film version will surface in 2018. After years of development, the musical is finally moving forward.
and Purple Heading into production, the musical remake has a release date set for December 23, 2023. It’s unclear whether the musical will lean more towards the 1985 film, the original stage production, or the original book. For now, we do know who will make up the main cast of the musical adaptation. Let’s see who are the familiar new faces that will bring a new look to these iconic movie characters.
Fantasia Barino
Fantasia Barrino’s Celie Harris was a protagonist and vessel in the long-suffering struggles of black women in the early 1900s, including racism, sexism, incest, and domestic abuse. At every exit, Harris transforms from a docile teenage girl to a self-sufficient woman. She escaped her father’s abuse and entered the life of her husband, who was also abusive to her. She ended up leaving her husband and his tragic family to live a life full of love and respect. The climax of her quest for independence in the musical is the signature tune “Here I Am.”
But dealing with tunes is nothing new for them American idol winner because she is in PurpleThe original Broadway run. Whoopi Goldberg played the role in the 1985 film, which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. The part is considered one of the Oscar winner’s best performances.
Coleman Domingo
As the main villain in the original, and in every adaptation, Albert Johnson, aka Mr., lost his first wife and needed a mother to raise his children, and that’s where Sealy comes in. He treats Celie more like a servant to his family than his second wife. Ultimately, his relationship with Celie became the catalyst for her independence. After changing his ways and helping Celie reunite with her sister Nettie, he eventually redeems himself in a way similar to the 1985 film.it will depend on ZolaColman Domingo breathes new life into the universally hated character.
Unlike Fantasia Barrino, Domingo was never associated with Purple Stage musical.This Zola The star will follow in the footsteps of Danny Glover, who played the troubled patriarch in the 1985 coming-of-age drama.
Danielle Brooks
as PurpleDanielle Brooks, who plays Sofia, will be opposite Celie Harris with her strong will and outspoken personality. Sofia is the wife of Mister’s eldest son, Harpo (married as a teenager, much like Celie). After a string of domestic violence incidents with Harpo (thanks to some not-so-sensible advice from Celie), Sofia packs her things (and her kids) and sets off forever with her signature song “Hell No!” . After disappearing for a while, she occasionally returns throughout the musical, eventually reuniting with Harpo after her role as the mayor’s indentured servant.
like Danielle Brooks Fantasia Barrino on HBO Max peacemaker, originated from Sophia’s role in the 2015 Broadway revival. Talk show icon Oprah Winfrey originally played the role in the 1985 film adaptation, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Corey Hawkins
Harpo is the eldest and most high-profile of the Mister children that Corey Hawkins will take over. After marrying the wayward Sophia, he tried to follow in his father’s footsteps, but he wasn’t as confident and domineering, so his teenage bride ran over him. Eventually, after taking some advice from Sealy, his relationship with Sophia became abusive. After Sofia left and took their kids, he became his own by opening a jukebox, which led to Shug’s introduction and his signature number “Brown Betty.” Harpo and his girlfriend and barmaid Squeak move on. Eventually, Squeak left him, giving him a second chance with Sophia.
Corey Hawkins has already shown his musical talent in another film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, playing Benny in the highlands. This Straight out of Compton There have been reports of stars joining the musical since last year, so his casting news is expected. Hawkins will follow in the footsteps of William Pugh, who played Mr.’s passive son in the 1985 coming-of-age drama.
Taraji P.Hanson
Taraji P. Henson’s role as free-spirited singer Shug Avery means a lot. Shug’s relationship with Celie and Mister contributed to the turn of the story. As Johnson’s longtime mistress, Avery and Sealy had a rough start before becoming friends. Over time, their relationship evolves into a romantic one as Celie begins to break free from Mister’s controlling ways. Shug shares multiple musical moments with Celie while complementing it on fan-favorite tune “Push Da Button.”
bear Purple Just down the alley of Taraji P. Henson as she showcases her musical talent on a variety of occasions. Margaret Avery played the role in the 1985 film adaptation, which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Halle Bailey
Much like her character in the show matureHalle Bailey will serve as Celie’s sister Nettie as her sister’s guardian Purple. Nettie and Celie were sexually and physically abused by their father while growing up. Initially, the sisters were reunited after Nettie fled their abusive father to live with Celie and Mister, but Mister’s sexual advances resulted in her being unceremoniously removed from the home. Nettie has few musical moments, as she quit her early collaboration with Celie early. She is eventually reunited with Celie in a triumphant finale.
Of course, audiences are aware of Halle Bailey’s work in television and music, and her addition was endorsed by Oprah Winfrey. Bailey’s Nettie was originally played by Akosua Busia in an Oscar-nominated film.forward Purple Drop, Bailey will play Ariel in Disney’s live-action adaptation little mermaidthe actress celebrated the end of last year.
she
HER’s mysterious aura will do double duty as the silent and lively Squeak. She entered the picture after Sofia left Harpo and began a romantic relationship with him. Although her presence was small, she played a major role in raising Harpo and Sofia’s children after Sofia was jailed for an altercation with the mayor. Eventually Squeak found her voice and she decided to leave Harpo and pursue a professional singing career. Due to her secondary nature in the story, Squeak doesn’t have that many musical numbers.
The musical remake will mark the Grammy and Oscar-winning singer’s feature film debut. Rae Dawn Chong originally played Harpo’s girlfriend in the 1985 film.
The musical remake is set to hit theaters on December 23, 2023, and it’s unclear when the film will begin production. Of course, the audience sings along as Celie goes through her harrowing journey of finding her own identity. If you want to see other upcoming musicals, you can check out our 2022 movie release schedule.Stay informed about any news around you Purplecome back to CinemaBlend for the latest developments.