prah Winfrey has announced more cast members for the upcoming adaptation of the Broadway musical based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel, which premiered on the Great White Way in 2005.
In the ABC News special “Soul of a Nation: Screen Queens Rising,” Winfrey, 68, shocked actress Danielle Brooks by revealing that she will play Sofia in the upcoming film.
Brooks, 32, portrayed the character on Broadway and was even nominated for a Tony Award in 2016.
On the special, Brooks gleefully sobbed, “My heart is so full, thank you.” “And let me tell you, Ms. Oprah, I didn’t get the chance to thank you sufficiently the first time.” So, thank you very much. I’m so thrilled I’ll be able to tell you in person. Thank you very much.
Along with Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones, and Steven Spielberg, Winfrey is producing the film musical. In Spielberg’s 1985 cinematic adaptation of “Selma,” the “Selma” heroine made her acting debut as Sofia. Winfrey was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Winfrey told the “Orange Is the New Black” actress, “I have such affection for her, this character, everything she represents, and everything she brought to my life.” “And I’m hoping she treats you the same way she treats me.”
Taraji P. Henson, Grammy and Oscar-winning artist H.E.R., “Grownish” actor Halle Bailey, and Corey Hawkins were originally announced to play Shug Avery.
“It’s become a vehicle for magic and meaning in my life,” Winfrey said of the project to Vanity Fair. “I don’t know anyone who has ever been a part of it whose life hasn’t been improved.” Everything stems from Alice Walker’s original remarks, which were truly rooted in love. This community’s love. These people’s love. Those characters are my favorites. And it just keeps getting passed on and on. I’m looking forward to seeing this next evolution, which isn’t tied to doing things the way we’ve always done them.”
Fantasia Barrino will return to the character of Celie, played by Whoopi Goldberg in Steven Spielberg’s film. Colman Domingo, who starred in the film “Euphoria,” will play Mister, the story’s main villain.
Taraji P. Henson will play Shug Avery in the upcoming film musical ‘The Color Purple.’ Barrino, 37, previously played Celie on Broadway in 2007. The Season 3 winner of “American Idol” revealed the guidance Winfrey told her about the stage play back in 2008.
She told People, “Oprah provided me a lot of advise.” “Learn how to handle your finances.” How to avoid putting your faith in everyone. “Just keep an eye on your back.”
“But most importantly, you have to watch what you do,” the singer concluded. You’ve got it.