Hola What’s Hot Fam,
Toss out the red and green this holiday season. This year the color is purple (and no it’s not for the Ravens)!
Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones have joined forces to produce a musical remake of The Color Purple. Taglined as “a bold new take on the beloved classic,” the film is a blend of previous works and features a cast of talented black women, many of whom are gifted with chilling vocals.
Based on the Pulitzer prize-winning novel by Alice Walker published in 1982, The Color Purple 2023 remake combines adaptations of the Broadway musical’s songs and notable moments from the 1985 film to bring a modern twist to a historical drama. As with all of its related works, the film follows Celie as she deals with a troubled life in the South. Marked by an abusive marriage, sisterhood and a love for music, Celie’s story remains a captivating tale set in Georgia.
Familiar faces include singers Fantasia Barrino, Ciara, Halle Bailey, and H.E.R., and actresses Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks.
Directed by Blitz Bazawule, who is credited for his work on Beyoncé’s ‘Black Is King’, The Color Purple 2023 is summarized by Warner Brothers as an opportunity to “experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond.” Marcus Gardley (‘Maid,’ ‘The Chi’) is credited for the screenplay.
Check out the extended cast list below!
| Current Actor | Character | 1985 Film Actor |
| Fantasia Barrino (also starred in the Broadway musical) | Celie Harris-Johnson | Whoopi Goldberg |
| Phylicia Pearl Mpasi | Young Celie | Desreta Jackson |
| Taraji P. Henson | Shug Avery | Margaret Avery |
| Danielle Brooks | Sofia | Oprah Winfrey |
| Colman Domingo | Albert “Mister” Johnson | Danny Glover |
| Corey Hawkins | Harpo Johnson | Willard E. Pugh |
| H.E.R. | Squeak/Mary Agnes | Rae Dawn Chong |
| Ciara | Nettie Harris | Akosua Busia |
| Halle Bailey | Young Nettie | |
| Aunjanue Ellis | Mama | |
| Jon Batiste | Grady | Bennet Guillory |
| Louis Gossett Jr. | Ol’ Mister Johnson | Adolph Caesar |
| David Alan Grier | Rev. Samuel Avery | Carl Anderson |
| Deon Cole | Alfonso | Leonard Jackson |
| Tamela J. Mann | First Lady | Susan Beaubian |
| Stephen Hill | Henry “Buster” Broadnax | James Tillis |
| Elizabeth Marvel | Miss Millie | Dana Ivey |

This Harpo Films, Amblin Entertainment, and Scott Sanders /QJP Production debuts in North American theaters on December 25, 2023, and internationally beginning January 18, 2024.
With Sizzling Love,
Stacey Cake
P.S. Comment your thoughts on the cast and trailer of The Color Purple (2023) below.