In the new Warner BrothersΒ teaserΒ for the upcomingΒ musical dramaΒ The Color Purple,Β Oprah Winfrey,Β Jon BatisteΒ and other cast and crew share their experienceΒ filming the beloved project.
Winfrey, star of the original 1985 film and producer of the 2023 adaptation, opened up about the film'sΒ significance.
"There's nothing that's been more important or vital to me culturally, artistically thanΒ The Color Purple," she said. "It is a solid base of spiritual and emotional power for me."
Winfrey added that the musical's story is for anyone who has felt "unseen and unvalued."
DirectorΒ Blitz BazawuleΒ echoed Winfrey'sΒ sentiment about the film's cultural impact, saying that the original "is one of the cornerstones of culture β certainly Black culture."
Ciara, who plays Nettie, acknowledged the "modern twist"Β Bazawule has added to the revamped versionΒ whileΒ "still capturing the essence of what this film means."
Fantasia, who plays Nettie's sister, Celie, said that with the film, they aim to "connect with the younger generation."
"It's a human story and that's what makes it ultimately great and enduring," Jon BatisteΒ added.
Joining the singers as part of the cast are starsΒ Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor,Β CoreyΒ Hawkins,Β Colman Domingo,Β H.E.R.,Β Halle Bailey,Β DanielleΒ Brooks,Β Taraji P. HensonΒ and a host of other top entertainers.
The Color PurpleΒ isΒ produced by the 1985 film's directorΒ Steven Spielberg,Β Scott SandersΒ andΒ QuincyΒ Jones. The film's screenplay is written byΒ Marcus Gardley, based on the stage musical and the 1982 novel of the same name byΒ AliceΒ Walker. The film, due out December 25, chronicles the story of lifelong struggles of Black women living in the South during the early 1900s.
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