Oprah Winfrey Praises “The Color Purple” As “The Most Important Thing” That’s Ever Happened To Her

Nearly 40 years after its theater debut, Oprah Winfrey says “The Color Purple“ is the best thing to ever happen in her career.

The prolific TV host is set to produce the highly anticipated musical remake of the 1985 Steven Spielberg film, which is based on a novel by Alice Walker. During her appearance at CinemaCon 2023 in Las Vegas, Winfrey calls this latest opportunity a “full circle moment.” Winfrey was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Sofia, a strong-willed wife who ends up behind bars for standing up to a racist white woman in early twentieth-century Georgia. The critically acclaimed film was an instant success, with Winfrey calling it the “most important thing that ever happened to me.”

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The new version of “The Color Purple” is being dubbed a “celebration of sisterhood.” During CinemaCon, WarnerBros gave a first glimpse at the trailer. Actress and singer Danielle Brooks, who will reprise Winfrey’s iconic role, is heard belting out the record “Hell No,” used as the film’s backdrop. The new rendition sports a star-studded line up including Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, H.E.R., Aunjanae Ellis-Taylor, Jon Batiste, and Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, who was also featured in the Broadway adaption in the lead role of Celie.

Warner Bros. hopes to reach the same heights as the original film but be warned; the film is “not your mama’s” classic “Color Purple.” While original fans can still appreciate the new version, the on-screen musical factor will add an extra flare to this classic.