News

Oprah Says There Was Pressure to Cast Beyoncé or Rihanna in ‘The Color Purple’

The star-studded movie musical hits theaters on Christmas Day.

As The Color Purple draws nearer, the film’s star-studded cast and production team are hitting the media circuit to promote their forthcoming movie musical. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Oprah — who serves alongside Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones as one of the film’s producers — recounted the process of bringing the films to life, including some pressure to cast a star on the level of Beyoncé or Rihanna.

 

“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. Once the film moved to $90 to $100 million, then everybody wants us to bring Beyoncé,” Oprah said. “‘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.’”

Of course, both Beyoncé (Dreamgirls, Obsessed, Austin Powers in Goldmember) and Rihanna (Ocean’s 8, Battleship, Home) have made plenty of crossovers into the film world, but The Color Purple cast came together without the two music titans. The Blitz Bazawule-helmed picture is led by 2024 Golden Globes nominee Fantasia Barrino, with fellow nominee Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Ciara, H.E.R. and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi rounding out the ensemble.

While Rihanna has been busy with partner A$AP Rocky and their new bundle of joy, Riot Rose, Beyoncé has been dominating theaters on her own. The “Break My Soul” singer recently topped the domestic box office with Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, a documentary concert film that chronicles the creation and execution of Queen Bey’s Billboard 200-topping Renaissance album and its record-breaking world tour.

Clearly, the powers that be were aware that landing Queen Bey would be a tall ask. “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,’” Oprah quipped.

The Color Purple is the film adaptation of the 2005 Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, which is, in turn, based on the 1982 Alice Walker novel and its accompanying 1985 Oscar-nominated film. On Dec. 15, The Color Purple (Music From and Inspired By) will hit DSPs, featuring original songs from Usher, Alicia Keys, Megan Thee Stallion, Coco Jones, Mary Mary, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Black Thought, Jorja Smith and more.

 

Related Posts

Gavin Newsom proposes ‘insane’ move against Elon Musk as he attempts to defy Trump with electric car rebates that excludes Tesla

Gavin Newsom is plotting to defy Donald Trump while stiffing key MAGA ally Elon Musk, as California plans an electric vehicle rebate program that intentionally leaves out Tesla. The California governor is planning to introduce a state tax rebate on purchasing electric cars if the Trump administration eliminates the federal tax cut. Newsom even bragged that his policies have made Tesla and Musk ‘so damn successful.’

Supreme Court hearing which will determine the definition of a woman begins TODAY – in a case with major implications for female-only spaces

A Supreme Court hearing that will determine the definition of a woman begins today in a case with major implications for female-only spaces. The case – which has been brought by gender-critical activists – will see five justices consider the question: ‘Is a person with a full gender recognition certificate which recognises that their gender is female, a ‘woman’ for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010?’ Feminist group For Women Scotland (FWS) will argue that trans women should not be able to fill roles meant for biological women under legislation designed to ensure equal numbers of men and women on company boards.

Santas sacked for ‘being right wing’:  Hunger strike grandfather is ousted for Reform support – as pensioner’s anti-Labour social media posts get him  banned from donating to food bank

Two local Santas have been given the ‘sack’ for expressing right-wing political views. Paul Cleary, 70, of Wath upon Dearne in South Yorkshire, volunteers as Father Christmas for a local charity each year, offering visits to families and attending the lights switch-on with the Lord Mayor. However, this year he has been left distraught after being told the group is dispensing with his services due to his anti-Labour social media posts, as well as being advised not to use the money he raises as Santa to donate to the local food bank.

Democrats spark outrage with desperate fundraising ploy after blowing millions on celebrity performances

Democratic National Committee workers are asking for charitable donations after  making significant layoffs in a dramatic downsizing after Vice President Kamala Harris lost the election. The pleas for donations sparked outrage on social media, as memories of the massive $1 billion Kamala Harris campaign spending spree were still fresh, including millions of dollars spent to host celebrity filled town halls for the vice president. Two-thirds of DNC staffers were laid off as part of the downsizing on Wednesday, with only one day’s notice and no severance, according to the union.

Top NATO chief urges leaders to get ready for ‘wartime scenario’ after Putin ‘threatens WWIII’ as Germany draws up list of bunkers that could be used as emergency shelters

A top NATO chief has urged business leaders to begin preparing for a ‘wartime scenario’ following rising tensions across the world. The warning comes as Germany announced it was drawing up a list of bunkers and other underground facilities that could provide shelter for civilians in the event of an attack. Speaking in Brussels yesterday, Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer warned that NATO members needed to adjust their production and distribution lines in order to be less vulnerable to blackmail from countries such as Russia and China.

Stars round on Ed Sheeran over Band Aid row: Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley tells the singer to ‘shut up’ as record producer Trevor Horn says he would have ‘gladly not used him’

Stars have turned on Ed Sheeran in the escalating row over the new Band Aid single – with Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley telling him to ‘shut up’. Trevor Horn, producer of a fresh 40th anniversary version of Do They Know It’s Christmas?, has also been critical of Sheeran after the singer spoke out against the new version of the charity track. Sheeran revealed last week he would have preferred his vocal contributions from a 2014 recording were not used on the new version.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *