Oprah Winfrey Reveals Producers From ‘The Color Purple’ Initially Wanted Beyoncé or Rihanna for Musical Remake

Oprah Winfrey revealed that there was pressure to cast Beyoncé or Rihanna for The Color Purple remake.

According to editorial director Nekesa Mumbi Moody, the film “had to endure the struggles of other Black productions, from fighting for the cast [director Blitz Bazawule] wanted, to pushing to get more resources.”

Winfrey stated that once the team reached a certain level in the budget, they pushed for an A-list singer.

“To be completely honest about it, if you were doing this film for $30 or $40 million, the interest in the cast would be very different,” Winfrey told the Hollywood Reporter. “Once the film moved to $90 to $100 million, then everybody wants us to bring Beyoncé. ‘Can you get Beyoncé, or can you get Rihanna?’ So we’re sitting in a room saying, ‘Listen, we love Beyoncé. We love Rihanna, but there are other actors who can do this job.'”

She said, “I do remember conversations about, ‘Y’all, Beyoncé is going to be busy this year.’ It wasn’t even a negotiation because you’re not getting Beyoncé.”

Although the film won’t have Bey or Rih, the 2023 remake includes a star-studded cast, which includes Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, H.E.R., Louis Gossett Jr., Corey Hawkins, and more.

The Color Purple will be released in theaters on Dec. 25, 2023