Oprah Winfrey recently discussed her role as a producer of the upcoming musical adaptation of “The Color Purple.” The media mogul received an Oscar nomination for her role as Sofia in the 1985 Steven Spielberg movie and is now part of the production team for the new musical reboot, which is directed by Blitz Bazawule.
During a recent appearance at CinemaCon 2023 in Las Vegas, Winfrey spoke about how the new movie is a “full circle moment” that “holds great personal meaning” for her. “The Color Purple in 1985 was the biggest and most important thing that ever happened to me and continues to be,” said the 69-year-old.
Winfrey went on to praise the film’s director, stating that the new version features “magical realism, wholesome family goodness, and some of the best actors you’ve ever seen.” She described the experience of producing the musical adaptation as “incredible.”
Joining Winfrey and Bazawule at the presentation were cast members Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson. The musical is set to release in theaters on December 25.
Winfrey has been involved in various productions of “The Color Purple” over the years. She co-produced the Broadway musical adaptation in 2005, which earned 11 Tony nominations, and produced a 2015 revival that won two Tony Awards.
“The Color Purple” is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and follows the life of Celie, a young African American woman living in the South during the early 1900s. The story explores themes of racism, sexism, and the power of sisterhood.
