H.E.R. Snags a Role in New ‘The Color Purple’ Remake
It’s official, H.E.R. landed her first acting role for the upcoming remake of The Color Purple. In an interview, the Oscar and Grammy-winning singer, 23, expressed her desire to become a singer and actor.
“There is so much I want to do. People don’t really get to see my comedic and fun side, except when I’m impersonating my aunt. But I definitely want to do a lot more voice-overs and comedy, but also some serious roles. I’m trying to do it all, I know. Whatever it is, one thing at a time. I’m gonna get there.”
I can’t wait to see H.E.R. as an actress in the Color Purple 😍💜✨
— ☀️ 22. 🧡 (@WanjaNjama) August 29, 2021
.@HERMusicx is on her way to making her acting debut in the next The Color Purple movie! I love this for her. She’s had an amazing 2021, from earning this role, to winning GRAMMYs & Oscars, and releasing her debut album! I have more info on @HipHopVibe1. https://t.co/84HSEspGda
— Yuriy Andriyashchuk🇺🇦🇷🇺 (@YuriyATL) August 30, 2021
Based on the 1982 book by Alice Walker, the story follows Celie Harris navigating life as a black woman in the early 1900s. The novel is in the format of letters, Celie writing them to GOD. The young woman endures trauma and tribulation, being raped twice and impregnated twice by her abusive father, Alphonso. In addition, she is forced to marry “Mr.” who is also abusive. Throughout the story, Celie struggles with abuse and learns to stand up for herself from a group of women she befriends. Empowerment, feminism, love, this story has it all.
The 1985 version of The Color Purple had an all-star cast, with Whoopi Goldberg playing Celie. Oprah Winfrey played one of Celie’s friends named Sofia. Danny Glover (“Mr.”), Margaret Avery (Shug Avery), and Akosua Busia (Nettie Harris) are a part of the cast. Steven Spielberg served as the director.
While the rest of the cast members are unknown, it’s been confirmed that In the Heights star Corey Hawkins will be playing “Mr.’s” son, Harpo. H.E.R. will be playing Squeak, a waitress turned aspiring singer who Rae Dawn Chong played. Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey are returning to direct the movie.
The film is set to release on December 20, 2023. In the meantime, the original The Color Purple can be streamed on HBO Max.
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