Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino to Star in 'The Color Purple' Movie Musical

etonline.com:

Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino have been brought on board the cast of Blitz Bazawule's forthcoming movie, adapted from the Broadway musical.Brooks has been tapped to play Sofia, a role that she played on Broadway during the 2015 revival production, which earned her a Tony Award nomination.

Barrino, meanwhile, will be reprising the role of Celie, which he first portrayed in her Broadway debut in 2007.The casting news was announced Thursday, as part of the ABC News special During the special, Brooks rewatched the moment she was surprised with the news of her casting with a special Zoom call from Oprah Winfrey — who portrayed Sofia in the original 1985 film, earning herself an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.«I am here representing all things purple to tell you that you are our Sofia,» Winfrey told an emotional and excited Brooks. «I'm so happy to pass whatever baton from 35 — almost 40 — years ago to you.

And I know you're gonna kill it.»“My heart is so full. I’m going to make you so proud," Brooks shared, through tears. Winfrey sweetly replied, «You already have.»«I wanted to be the one to tell you because you know I have such love for her, this character,» Winfrey explained, «everything she represents and everything she brought to my life.

And what I’m hoping is that she does the same thing for you.»JUST IN: @TasiasWord and @thedanieb will join the cast of @WBPictures' #TheColorPurple alongside @tarajiphenson, @HERMusicx, and Corey Hawkins!