Exclusive: The Color Purple cast interviews with Fantasia, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, & More
Set to open in theaters in North America on December 25, 2023 is “The Color Purple,” a bold new take on the beloved classic directed by Blitz Bazawule (“Black Is King,” “The Burial of Kojo”) and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
“The Color Purple” stars Fantasia as Celie Harris Johnson, Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, Danielle Brooks as Sofia, Colman Domingo as Albert "Mister" Johnson, Corey Hawkins as Harpo Johnson, H.E.R. as Mary Agnes ("Squeak"), Ciara as Nettie Harris, Halle Bailey as young Nettie Harris, Phylicia Mpasi as young Celie Harris Johnson, Louis Gossett Jr. as Ol' Mister Johnson, David Alan Grier as Rev. Samuel Avery, Aunjanue Ellis as Mama, Tamela J. Mann as First Lady, Deon Cole as Alfonso, Stephen Hill as Henry "Buster" Broadnax, Elizabeth Marvel as Miss Millie, Jon Batiste as Grady and Jamaal Avery Jr. as Young Harpo.
The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley, based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs, Adam Fell, Courtenay Valenti, Sheila Walcott and Michael Beugg.
Joining director Bazawule behind the camera are director of photography Dan Laustsen, production designer Paul Denham Austerberry and editor Jon Poll. The choreographer is Fatima Robinson and the costumes are designed by Francine Jamison-Tanchuck. The music supervisors are Jordan Carroll and Morgan Rhodes; the music is by Kris Bowers; and the executive music producers are Nick Baxter, Stephen Bray and Blitz Bazawule.
Blackfilmandtv.com's Wilson Morales talks to The Color Purple cast members Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, Danielle Brooks, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Corey Hawkins, Colman Domingo, and director Blitz Bazawule on the making of the film.