Halle Bailey and Fantasia Barrino absolutely shine in the first trailer released for the upcoming musical reboot of The Color Purple. The original film, directed by Steven Spielberg, was released in 1985 and based on the Alice Walker novel.
Opening on young Nettie (Halle Bailey) and Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi), we are immediately pulled back into a familiar world.
With an All-Star cast including American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino in her major motion picture debut, and Danielle Brooks reprising her Tony nominated role of Sofia, previously portrayed by the films producer Oprah Winfrey, the trailer promises an emotional rollercoaster highlighted with music from The Color Purple‘s Broadway revival.
Warner Bros. is describing the film, directed by Blitz Bazawule, as a “. . . bold new take on the beloved classic . . “
Producing with Winfrey are Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones and Executive Producer Alice Walker.
The films cast also includes Taraji P Henson (Hidden Figures), Coleman Domingo (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Corey Hawkins (BlacKkKlansman), H.E.R. (Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (King Richard), Louis Gossett Jr. (Watchmen), David Alan Grier (Native Son), Deon Cole (The Harder They Fall) and Ciara (The Game).
The Color Purple screenplay by Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”), based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play by Marsha Norman. Music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.
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The trailer closes with a message from Nettie to her beloved sister. “Dear Celie, We are more than just Kings and Queens.” says Bailey. “We are at the center of the Universe.”
Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Harpo Films Production, an Amblin Entertainment Production, a Scott Sanders Production/a QJP Production, “The Color Purple.”
Distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and set to open in theaters in North America on December 25, 2023 and internationally beginning 18 January 2024.
