From stage to screens!
Oscar and Emmy nominated Empire actress Taraji P. Henson and Orange Is The New Black star Danielle Brooks alongside Fantasia Taylor are the newest additions to the upcoming adaptation of “The Color Purple” musical set to hit screens in 2023.
The highly anticipated flick coming
from the stables of Warner Bros. project already has an impressive lineup of stars.
Variety reports in the upcoming film adaptation of “The Color Purple” musical Taraji P. Henson will star as Shug Avery, Fantasia Taylor as Celie, and Danielle Brooks as Sofia. Other actors will reprise their roles from the stage musical.
Tony-nominated Brooks got a surprise of a lifetime from Oprah Winfrey via a zoom call to inform her of her casting as Sofia.
Winfrey, producing the 2023 version of the film based on Alice Walker’s book of the same name, famously played Sofia in the original 1985 movie. The performance earned Winfrey her first Oscar nomination as best supporting actress.
“I am here representing all things purple to tell you that you are our Sofia. I’m so happy to pass whatever baton from 35 — almost 40 — years ago to you. And I know you’re gonna kill it.”
“My heart is so full,” a teary Brooks said. “I’m going to make you so proud.”
“You already have,” Winfrey responded. “I wanted to be the one to tell you because you know I have such love for her, this character, everything she represents, and everything she brought to my life. And what I’m hoping is that she does the same thing for you.”
The trio of Henson, Brooks, and Taylor join previously announced cast members Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., and Halle Bailey.
The Warner Bros. adaptation will be directed by Blitz Bazawule (“The Burial of Kojo,” Beyoncé’s “Black is King’) and adapted for the screen by Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”).
