The Color Purple stars 'want to make Oprah Winfrey proud'

Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks strive to do justice to their roles in The Color Purple, aiming to impress Oprah Winfrey. Taking on characters once portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg and Winfrey, they are determined to make a lasting impact in the production.

Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks take on roles previously played by Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey.

Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks, portraying Celie and Sofia, respectively, are stepping into the iconic roles previously played by Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey in the 1985 film.

Expressing their excitement, Brooks shared with the BBC, “It’s really cool for them to pass the torch to us.” Barrino added that they are eager to “bring something new” to these significant characters.

Based on Alice Walker’s timeless novel and the Broadway musical, the film narrates the journey of Celie, an African American teenage girl born into poverty in racially divided Georgia during the early 1900s.

Oprah Winfrey, a producer of the new film, along with Steven Spielberg, who directed the 1985 version, continues their involvement in this cinematic adaptation.

Meanwhile, Goldberg, who received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Celie in the original film, makes a cameo appearance in the new one.

However, the new cast members express confidence and determination in taking on their roles, undeterred by the substantial legacy they inherit.

Brooks reflects on the occasional desire to do justice to the original cast, saying, “There are moments when we want to make them proud.” She draws a parallel with a specific scene where Whoopi serves as the midwife to Celie’s baby, symbolizing the impactful contribution of the original actors.

Barrino echoes this sentiment, emphasizing, “We’re not here to alter the established blueprint; we aim to adhere to it. Still, we’re both infusing a bit of our own experiences into the roles.”

The actress acknowledges that her personal life experiences likely influenced her approach to the film, adding depth and authenticity to her portrayal.

In her memoir, “Life is not a Fairy Tale,” Barrino candidly shares her traumatic experiences, including being a victim of rape at school, facing teen pregnancy, and struggling with illiteracy. Similarly, the character Celie in “The Color Purple” undergoes harrowing ordeals, enduring abuse from her father and an oppressive marriage marked by domestic violence.

Nevertheless, both Barrino and Celie emerge as resilient survivors who draw strength and solidarity from the support of other women. Notably, characters like Sofia, known for her fierce independence, and the captivating singer Shug Avery, portrayed by Taraji P Henson, contribute to the film’s positive portrayal, as emphasized by Brooks. The movie is seen as a powerful narrative that unveils the beauty inherent in overcoming pain, fostering healing for both the characters and viewers.

Alice Walker’s 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Color Purple,” remains a significant literary work, addressing themes of racism and segregation in the early 20th Century. The enduring resonance of the novel underscores its relevance to contemporary audiences. Barrino expressed the collective desire among the cast and crew to be part of an authentic and honest storytelling experience that explores universal themes of struggle, resilience, and liberation.

Brooks, having initially delved into the book during her high school years, emphasized her enduring connection with it, noting, “I’ve remained captivated by it ever since.”

Expressing her belief in the ongoing relevance of the narrative, she remarked, “There’s still so much more insight to be gleaned from this story.”

When questioned about the persisting presence of racism in America, Brooks takes a moment before drawing a metaphor, stating, “It’s akin to a troubled relationship. It’s two races earnestly striving to understand how to embrace each other, and we’re navigating through that process.”

Reflecting on the societal changes, Barrino chimed in, asserting, “It has undergone significant transformation. I don’t perceive hatred permeating every aspect.”

Directed by Blitz Bazawule, known for his work on “Black is King,” “The Color Purple” incorporates songs from the Broadway musical and is infused with elements of gospel, blues, and jazz. Both Fantasia Barrino and Cynthia Erivo, who star in the film, were part of the stage musical that premiered on Broadway in 2005, with an international production later transferring to London in 2013.

The film, released in the US on December 25, features a star-studded cast, including Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, and Halle Bailey. In a four-star review for The Telegraph, Robbie Collin describes it as a “fun jolt of musical joy.” However, The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw, while giving it three stars, notes that it “sugars the pill and softens the blow” from the original movie.

Despite generating significant buzz, the film has not performed well at the box office. Additionally, its release has been marred by controversy over on-set working conditions and pay inequality, following an interview with Henson published in The New York Times.

The 1985 film secured 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, yet it remains infamous for not winning in any category. Holding the record for the most Oscar nominations without a win, it left a lasting mark in cinematic history.

The recently released movie has already received a nomination for Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, often considered a precursor to Oscar success. It has also garnered Bafta and Golden Globe nominations for both Barrino and Brooks. As the awards season gains momentum, the film is poised to receive further attention in the coming weeks.

However, with nine years having passed since the #OscarsSoWhite controversy, there are lingering questions about whether the industry has made sufficient strides toward diversity. Originating in 2015, the hashtag, initiated by activist and writer April Reign, spotlighted the absence of people of color among the 20 actors nominated that year.

Expressing optimism, Brooks stated, “I’m just glad names are being spoken of. I’m just grateful that people are hopefully acknowledging our work. That’s all you can ask for.” For Barrino, a winner of American Idol in 2004, this marks her debut in feature film acting. She remarked, “This is new for me in the Oscars world, but I always tell my castmates, this is the way I look at it, we are all real-life walking Oscars, whether they give it to us or not.”

‘The Color Purple’, first hit the big screen? The impact of this incredible movie is still felt today – and the stars of the film are making sure that its legacy continues to shine. Recently, in an interview, we learned that the talented actors who brought ‘The Color Purple’ to life are still passionate about making a difference in the world. They shared their desire to honor Oprah Winfrey, one of the film’s producers, by continuing to spread messages of empowerment, love, and resilience.

As they embark on various projects and initiatives, it’s clear that the spirit of ‘The Color Purple’ lives on through their dedication and passion. It’s truly inspiring to see how this timeless story continues to influence and motivate others. Let’s all keep the spirit of ‘The Color Purple’ alive by embracing its profound messages of strength and unity!