Oprah Winfrey Reveals Her Decision to Opt Out of New ‘The Color Purple’ Movie
The new rendition of ‘The Color Purple,’ released on Christmas day, is a reinterpretation of the classic 1985 film featuring Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg in prominent roles. While the original was a period drama, the 2023 version transforms into a coming-of-age musical period drama, with Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, and Danielle Brooks taking the lead.
Oprah, who portrayed Sofia in the 1985 film, chose not to make a cameo in the 2023 version, unlike her on-screen counterpart, Whoopi Goldberg. In a recent interview, Oprah, who is also co-producing the film, explained her decision. She considered a cameo, particularly in the church scene, but decided against it, expressing concern that having the original Sofia present during Sofia’s wedding might be distracting. Danielle Brooks now assumes the role of Sofia in the 2023 adaptation.
Additionally, Oprah cited the ongoing COVID spread during the filming as another factor influencing her decision, stating, “They were shooting that in the middle of Georgia when COVID was [spreading]. Like, OK, well, I ain’t sitting in the church all day anyway.”
In the 2023 version of ‘The Color Purple,’ Whoopi Goldberg makes a surprise appearance in a cameo role. Whoopi, known for her role as Celie in the original film, now takes on the character of a midwife in the latest adaptation. The audience was captivated as Goldberg graced the screen during the early moments of the film when teenage Celie goes into labour. Acting as the local midwife, Whoopi Goldberg assists the young Celie during childbirth.
Also Read: Why ‘The Colour Purple’ Was 1985’s Best Film
The revelation of Whoopi Goldberg’s cameo was kept confidential. According to Blitz Bazawule, the film’s director, only key crew members were informed about Whoopi’s participation. Oprah Winfrey, who co-produced ‘The Color Purple’ and was Whoopi Goldberg’s co-star in the 1985 version, praised Whoopi’s cameo in the latest adaptation.
She described it as “a wonderful Easter egg for audiences who have appreciated the film over the years, for the diehards, and a lovely homage to Whoopi.”
‘The Color Purple’, released on Christmas Day, is already poised for box office success with an impressive $18 million opening day, marking the second-largest Christmas Day opening since Sherlock Holmes in 2009.
– Farheen Ali
