I am a such a huge fan of The Color Purple movie from the 80’s. I quote miss Celie all the time (“Until you do right by me, everything you think about is going to crumble”), I weap uncontrollably at the thought of Celie seeing her kids grown, and I sing the song Shug sang as she marched into her daddy’s church. It’s a whole vibe.
So picking out the actresses who will play these people I know and love so much was a concern. So far I’m on board.
Fantasia Taylor and Danielle Brooks will reprise their respective roles as Celie and Sofia. Understandably as Brooks won a Tony for her portrayal in 2015.
And who will play the flawed but fabulous Shug? None other that Taraji P Henson!! I am CRAZY about this pick. She radiates Shugs essence.
Brooks relived the emotional moment when Winfrey, who is producing the new movie under her Harpo Films banner, revealed that she was chosen for the role during a Zoom call.
“I am here representing all things purple to tell you that you are our Sofia,” Winfrey said in the recording. “I’m so happy to pass whatever baton from 35 — almost 40 — years ago to you. And I know you’re gonna kill it.”
“My heart is so full,” a teary Brooks replied. “I’m going to make you so proud.”
“You already have,” Winfrey responded.
(L-R) Danielle Brooks and Fantasia on “Soul of a Nation” on Thursday ABC/Jeff Neira