Corey Hawkins To Star In Warner Bros’ ‘The Color Purple’ Musical Adaptation

The Color Purple is one of the most well-known stories in American history. The 1985 film adaptation, on the 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker, is revered in many circles as a defining feature for a generation. Since then, the story has been adapted into a Broadway musical, earning eleven Tony Award nominations in 2006. Now, Warner Bros is looking to adapt that musical adaptation into another big-screen saga. As first reported by Deadline, In The Heights standout Corey Hawkins is the first big-name to join the film’s ensemble.

Ghana-born filmmaker Blitz Bazawule will direct The Color Purple. Additionally, American poet Marcus Gardley is penning the film’s screenplay based on the Broadway musical.

READ: Lakeith Stanfield To Star In Apple TV’s ‘The Changeling’ Series Adaptation

Set in early 20th-century rural Georgia, The Color Purple follows Celie Harris. Celie is a teenage African-American girl who has lost two children due to an abusive father. Along with her sister Nettie, Celie attempts to free her abusers in an America that is equally abusive to Black women. With the weight of the world constantly pressing against her, Celie seeks to search for her place.

Corey Hawkins received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play thanks to his work in Six Degrees of Separation. Additionally, the actor portrays Dr. Dre in the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton. Most recently, Hawkins wowed audiences in Jon M. Chu’s In the Heights. Up next, Hawkins will appear alongside Frances McDormand and Denzel Washington in The Tragedy of Macbeth.

The Color Purple hits theaters Dec. 21, 2023.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing The Color Purple musical film on the big screen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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