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Oprah and Steven Spielberg bring us an epic, star-studded new version of “The Color Purple” with Oscar’s name written all over it.
Fantasia Barrino gives a spectacular performance as Celie, along with a cast that includes Halle Bailey, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., and Ciara.
Fantasia, who first played the role on Broadway, opened up about how she initially turned down the film and how it was different this time around.
At the London premiere she said: “I did Celie on Broadway in 2007 and I hated it. I was so young and still going through so much. So I’m glad I was able to say ‘yes’ this time.”
Fantasia noted that she and her character Celie are “very similar.” She admitted, “She and I went through some of the same things.”
“When I played Celie, she taught me a lot,” Fantasia continued. “She was her biggest forgiver. That’s why I want to carry Celie with me and make her proud of her.”
Thanks to her role as Celie, Fantasia was celebrated at Variety’s Power of Women event held at the Citizen News in Los Angeles.
Fantasia was thrilled to see Terry Seymour from “Extra” appear on the carpet, saying, “This takes me back to… wow, Idol.”
Fantasia commented: many Then I’m here today, and now we’re back — it’s crazy. ”