Warner Bros. Pictures will release its critically praised feature film, “THE COLOR PURPLE,” on its streaming platform Max next Friday, February 16. This version of the renowned novel and Broadway musical, produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones, has received numerous nominations and accolades, including an Academy Award® nomination and multiple NAACP Image accolades® nods.
The film, directed by Blitz Bazawule, who has worked on Beyonce’s “Black is King” and the critically acclaimed “The Burial of Kojo,” offers a fresh new take on the classic story of love and resilience. In her significant film debut, Fantasia Barrino reprises her Broadway role as Celie, a girl navigating life’s challenges, including an abusive spouse played by Colman Domingo.
The star-studded cast includes Oscar® nominee Taraji P. Henson, current Oscar®, SAG®, and BAFTA Award nominee Danielle Brooks, Tony Award® nominee Colman Domingo, and others, who bring to life the unshakable relationships of a new type of sisterhood. The participation of noted Ghanaian multimedia artist Blitz Bazawule as the director is noteworthy, as it highlights his distinct perspective and past work on Afrofuturistic projects.
The script by Marcus Gardley, a WGA Award winner, is based on Alice Walker’s novel and Marsha Norman’s musical stage production. Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray write the film’s music and lyrics, and executive music producers Nick Baxter and Bazawule work together to create a strong narrative.
