Summary
- The Color Purple is the second film adaptation of Alice Walker's novel, and it is supported by renowned producers like Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Quincy Jones.
- The film's estimated budget is around $100 million, which puts pressure on its success. The production team considered big-name stars like Beyoncé and Rihanna but ultimately cast other talented actors.
- To be considered a success, The Color Purple needs to make $200 million at the box office, but it is expected to surpass that with its high critics score, positive reviews, and star-studded cast.
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The Color Purple is looking to be a massive hit, and its postulated budget is a striking indication of just how much effort went into the upcoming movie and how much it might earn during its theatrical run. Set for release on Christmas, The Color Purple is the second film adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name that revolves around the account of Celie, an abused woman who finds hope in the bonds of sisterhood. The Color Purple follows Steven Spielberg's celebrated 1985 adaptation, which also received incredible accolades, like the National Board of Review Award for best film.
The Color Purple was also adapted into a lucrative Broadway musical.
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As evident in its continued resurgence, the story of Celie has resonated with audiences throughout the ages. Now, Celie's narrative is the basis of a musical period drama adaptation fostered by phenomenal, powerhouse performers such as Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, and Danielle Brooks; even more, the upcoming The Color Purple is supported by Spielberg himself, Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones as producers. With a bright legacy and the talent to sustain it, The Color Purple's production value is sure to be high, but what it could reap could be even higher.
Related
Why Fantasia Barrino Refused To Star In The Color Purple Again Until The 2023 Movie
Recent Golden Globe nominated actress Fantasia Barrino explains why she refused to star in The Color Purple again before the film adaptation.
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The Color Purple's Budget Is Around $100 Million, According To Oprah
Although exact figures have yet to be released by its makers, The Color Purple's budget is estimated to be around the $100 million mark. Winfrey recently went on record with The Hollywood Reporter to unpack the highly anticipated musical, including how The Color Purple's ever-increasing budget put even more pressure on the film to succeed. In The Hollywood Reporter account, Winfrey spoke about the production's critical negotiations while hinting at The Color Purple's overall budget:
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. 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."
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Because the new adaptation succeeds an iconic legacy in which the IP proved immensely successful in three mediums, 2023's The Color Purple faces pressure to ensure it becomes a legitimate hit. When considering the size of its purported budget, it comes as no surprise that The Color Purple's production team eyed heavy-hitting superstars that could help pull in audiences. Despite the production's inability to secure Beyoncé or Rihanna, it seems The Color Purple made the most of its $100 million budget anyway, as the movie is coming out to be a huge success.
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The Color Purple's Box Office Needs To Make $200 Million To Be A Success
In light of its estimated budget, The Color Purple will need to make $200 million at the box office to break even. However, news reports that are trickling in day-by-day suggest that The Color Purple will have no problem doing so. Although the movie has yet to be released, The Color Purple's high Rotten Tomatoes critics score of 88%, its increasing list of award nominations, and its immeasurable amount of positive reviews have indicated that the movie is worth seeing.
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The acclaim surrounding The Color Purple alone should be enough to draw in audiences, but even if that proves insubstantial, the movie has a star-studded cast and a musical premise fit for the season to fall back on. Other movies out on Christmas day could compete with The Color Purple - such as the critically acclaimed Wonka movie, the rom-com Anyone But You, and the sports drama The Iron Claw - but The Color Purple's unique premise will surely shine among them all. Following its Christmas day release, The Color Purple will only continue to garner acclaim, which will ensure it reaches, and likely exceeds, its box office goal.
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The Color Purple (2023)
PG-13
Drama
Musical
- Release Date
- December 25, 2023
- Director
- Blitz Bazawule
- Cast
- Taraji P. Henson , Danielle Brooks , Colman Domingo , Corey Hawkins , Halle Bailey , H.E.R. , Phylicia Pearl Mpasi , Fantasia Barrino
- Writers
- Marcus Gardley
- Story By
- Studio(s)
- Harpo Films , Amblin Entertainment , Scott Sanders Productions , Quincy Jones Productions
- Distributor(s)
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
