How the new cast of 'The Color Purple' compares to the stars of the 1985 movie

Olivia SinghJan 15, 2024, 17:37 IST

Left: Desreta Jackson as Celie and Akosua Busia as Nettie in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as Celie and Halle Bailey as Nettie in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Warner Bros.

A new version of "The Color Purple" hits theaters on Monday, December 25.
The movie is based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play of the same name.

A reimagining of "The Color Purple," based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and the musical stage play of the same name, has arrived.

Director Blitz Bazawule's take on the story stars notable actors, including Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, and Colman Domingo.

Here's how the new movie's cast compares to that of Steven Spielberg's 1985 film adaptation of "The Color Purple."

Celie Harris, the protagonist of "The Color Purple," was portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1985 movie. In the new version, Fantasia Barrino plays the character.

Left: Whoopi Goldberg as Celie in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Fantasia Barrino as Celie in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Warner Bros.

In Spielberg's 1985 film, Margaret Avery played Shug Avery, a talented singer. In the new movie, Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson takes on the role.

Left: Margaret Avery as Shug Avery in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Ser Baffo/Warner Bros.

Sofia, previously played by Oprah Winfrey, is portrayed by "Orange Is the New Black" star Danielle Brooks in the 2023 remake.

Left: Oprah Winfrey as Sofia in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Danielle Brooks as Sofia in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Warner Bros Pictures

Celie's abusive husband, Albert "Mister" Johnson, was played by Danny Glover. Colman Domingo takes over in the new movie.

Left: Danny Glover as Mister in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Colman Domingo as Mister in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Eli Adé/Warner Bros.

Willard E. Pugh starred as Mister's son Harpo in the 1985 movie. Corey Hawkins plays the part in Bazawule's reimagining.

Left: Willard E. Pugh as Harpo in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Corey Hawkins as Harpo in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Warner Bros.

Desreta Jackson portrayed the young version of Celie in the 1985 movie. She's played by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi in the new film.

Left: Desreta Jackson as Celie in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as Celie in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Warner Bros.

Akosua Busia starred as Celie's sister Nettie in the 1985 film adaptation of "The Color Purple." In the remake, Halle Bailey plays young Nettie.

Left: Akosua Busia as Nettie in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Halle Bailey as Nettie in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Warner Bros. Pictures

Ciara portrays the older version of Nettie in the 2023 movie.

Left: Akosua Busia as Nettie in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Ciara as Nettie in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Warner Bros.

Rae Dawn Chong portrayed Mary Agnes, better known as Squeak, in Spielberg's movie. H.E.R. plays the updated character.

Left: Rae Dawn Chong as Squeak in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: H.E.R. as Squeak in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Warner Bros.

Shug's husband Grady was previously portrayed by Bennet Guillory. Jon Batiste plays him in the reimagining.

Left: Bennet Guillory as Grady in the 1985 version of "The Color Purple." Right: Jon Batiste as Grady in the 2023 version of "The Color Purple."Warner Bros.; Warner Bros.

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