‘The Color Purple’ Musical Remake Adds Fantasia Taylor, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo & More To The Cast

Released in 1985, “The Color Purple” is one of the most celebrated films of the modern era. The film earned 10 Oscar nominations and is considered a landmark achievement. So, in an era of remakes and revivals, it was only a matter of time before “The Color Purple” got another chance to shine. And apparently, the film is going to have one hell of a cast. 

According to Vanity Fair, the remake of “The Color Purple” is set to begin production in Georgia next month and will feature a cast that includes Fantasia Taylor, Colman Domingo, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Corey Hawkins, and H.E.R. The film, which is produced by Oprah Winfrey, who found herself nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in the original film, is based on the 1982 novel of the same name by author Alice Walker. It tells the story of a young Black woman named Celie Harris, as we see her experience the hardships of the early 20th century. 

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In the original film, Whoopi Goldberg played Celie Harris. In the remake, her role is given to Fantasia Taylor, a former “American Idol” contestant and R&B singer. Interestingly, the remake is based on the 2000s stage musical version of the story, so it makes sense that Fantasia Taylor would lead the cast. Oprah Winfrey’s role of Sofia is now given to Danielle Brooks, who is most recently seen in HBO Max’s “Peacemaker.” 

Obviously, names like Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, and Colman Domingo are seen in great films all the time, so they just lend instant credibility to the feature. Then you have Halle Bailey, who is the star of the upcoming Disney live-action “Little Mermaid,” and H.E.R., an incredibly popular musical artist, who will round out the cast. 

The new version of “The Color Purple” is directed by Blitz Bazawule (Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” “The Burial of Kojo”) and written by Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”). A release date has yet to be announced, but with production beginning soon, we can probably expected to see it, perhaps later this year or early 2023.