Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson stole the spotlight as the highly anticipated premiere of the 2005 stage musical adaptation of the cult classic, The Color Purple, finally hit theaters on Christmas Day.
‘The Color Purple’: Largest Opening On Christmas Day
Directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, The Color Purple grossed over $47 million and has already garnered Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award nominations.
With an A-list cast including Danielle Brooks, H.E.R, and more, The Color Purple exceeded box office expectations, becoming the largest opening on Christmas Day in over a decade. In theaters nationwide, audiences eagerly embraced the long-awaited adaptation of The Color Purple, where the trailer even heightened excitement.
Many fans showed their enthusiasm by donning purple attire for the premiere. One dedicated viewer named @Scrappmusiq wrote:
“The Color Purple deserved its 10s!! The movie was phenomenal. It moved me in ways that Broadway and musicals hope to. I was enthralled the entire movie. It’s just so good for those who appreciate theater arts. It’s up there with Dreamgirls for me.”
Boosie Gives His Review
While the film garnered admiration from the majority, rapper Boosie Badazz shared a critical perspective. In a now-deleted tweet, he expressed:
“I HAD TO WALK OUT THIS COLOR PURPLE MOVIE ( N TWO OTHER OLDER COUPLES WALKED OUT ALSO.) BECAUSE I HAD MY LITTLE GIRLS WITH ME N IT SEEMED LIKE A RAINBOW LOVESTORY! GOOD ACTING BUT WHOEVER WROTE THIS SCRIPT IS PUSHING THE NARRATIVE HARD! AS A PARENT I WILL NOT LET MY LITTLE GIRL WATCH THIS FILM”
I HAD TO WALK OUT THIS COLOR PURPLE MOVIE ( N TWO OTHER OLDER COUPLES WALKED OUT ALSO.)
BECAUSE I HAD MY LITTLE GIRLS WITH ME N IT SEEMED LIKE A
LOVE STORY
GOOD ACTING BUT WHOEVER WROTE THE SCRIPT IS PUSHING THE NARRATIVE HARD
— Boosie BadAzz (@BOOSIEOFFICIAL) January 2, 2024
However, it seems Boosie may not have fully understood the plot, as the 1982 novel book by Alice Walker explores the queer love story between characters Shug Avery (played by Taraji P. Henson) and Celie (played by Fantasia). Director Blitz Bazawule stated:
“Celie is a queer icon, and Alice Walker has been very vocal about that.” He continued, “Our job was to just lean into it harder, and give a little bit more context and a little more beauty to her coming-out moment.”
The Color Purple has a history of controversy, with the original novel facing book bans due to its depiction of homosexuality and other “controversial” topics. Nonetheless, the film embraces the significance of these themes and showcases the resilience of the characters.
Updated By: Yasmine Duhé (1/2/23 at 6:00 pm)
New Trailer For ‘The Color Purple’ Film Remake Offers Deeper Glimpse Into The Powerful Story
The highly anticipated remake of The Color Purple has released a new trailer, providing viewers with a deeper glimpse into the upcoming film. The star-studded trailer, featuring Halle Bailey, Ciara, Taraji P. Henson, and more, showcases the struggles and triumphs of the characters, effectively building anticipation for its release on December 25.
Coming Soon
In the new trailer for The Color Purple remake, released on Oct. 10, viewers get a sneak peek into what to expect when the film hits theaters.
Fantasia takes on the role of Celie, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage, longing for her sister’s return. The sneak peek showcases the complexity of Celie’s emotions and the abuse endured by her, and Nettie, played by Halle Bailey and Ciara, respectively.
With scenes depicting the sisters’ younger years, the trailer provides context for the heartache Celie endures daily and sets the tone for a powerful tale of resilience, friendship, and self-worth.
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The Trailer
A pivotal moment in the trailer is when Sophia, a friend of Celie played by Orange is the new Black’s Danielle Brooks, confronts her husband, Mister, after learning about his mistreatment of Celie. As Sophia defiantly states:
“I came here out of respect. But if there ain’t none to get, there sure ain’t none to give.”
This powerful scene showcases the strength and solidarity of the female characters in the face of adversity.
Taraji P. Henson breathes life into the character of Shug Avery, shown in the trailer on a boat heading to a bar, exuding confidence in a stunning red gown with a feathered headpiece. As Shug begins singing “Push Da Button,” the trailer’s tone shifts, emphasizing a message of empowerment and self-assertion for Celie.
Throughout the trailer, snippets of dialogue and flashback scenes highlight the bond between Celie and Nettie. As young Nettie tells her sister, “Keep your head high just like mom taught us,” the film’s themes of resilience and sisterhood are magnified.
Iconic & Nostalgic
One of the most iconic moments from the original story is brought to life in the trailer—the dinner scene where Celie declares her independence. When Mister threatens her, Celie confidently responds:
“It’s time I be free from you.”
The trailer ends with Celie, along with Sofia, Squeak, and Shug, standing as a sisterhood, symbolizing unity and strength. The remake of The Color Purple boasts a star-studded cast, including H.E.R, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Tamela Mann, Deon Cole, Ciara, and Corey Hawkins, making this a film eagerly anticipated by fans of the original and newcomers alike.
Updated By: De’Aundre Barnes (10/11/23 at 3:55 pm)
New Trailer Released for Remake of “The Color Purple” Starring Halle Bailey and Fantasia
The highly-anticipated trailer for the remake of The Color Purple has been released, featuring talented stars Halle Bailey and Fantasia in leading roles. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., Corey Hawkins, Ciara, and more. Notably, Fantasia and Brooks reprise their characters from the Broadway adaptation.
The Color Purple remake is a musical adaptation of the 1985 classic film, which holds a revered status among movie fans. Based on Alice Walker’s book, the story has faced controversy and banning in schools due to its depiction of sexual content, abuse, and domestic violence.
The original narrative portrays the forty-year journey of Celie, a Black woman facing abuse, racism, and bigotry in the Southern United States.
The remake is helmed by original cast member Oprah Winfrey, directed by Steven Spielberg, and features music by legendary composer and music producer Quincy Jones. The film is expected to hit theaters on December 25, captivating audiences with its reimagined take on a beloved story.
Halle Bailey’s Involvement
Rising actress Halle Bailey, known for her role as Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, has taken on the part of “Young Nettie” in The Color Purple remake. Bailey’s talent and representation as a Black actress has garnered praise, including recognition for showing “Black excellence” in her performances.
In June 2022, Halle Bailey announced the completion of The Color Purple movie and shared her excitement about portraying “Young Nettie” in the upcoming remake.
Disney Director Recognizes Black Excellence & Praises Halle Bailey
Director Rob Marshall, known for his work on the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, applauded Halle Bailey for her role as Ariel and praised her as an incredibly strong, passionate, and beautiful actress. Marshall also commended Bailey for representing “Black excellence” and overcoming racist backlash.
Originally Written By: Chris Samuel
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