The Star-Studded "The Color Purple" Cast Vs. The 1985 Original Film's Cast

    Fantasia and Danielle Brooks are filling roles made famous by Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah.

    On Monday, the first trailer dropped for the highly anticipated musical adaptation of The Color Purple. The film, which is based on the acclaimed Broadway musical and revival of the same name, will be released in theaters on Dec. 25.

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    Notably, the movie is brimming with a star-studded cast, led by American Idol alum Fantasia with supporting performances from the likes of Halle Bailey, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., and so many others.

    With the trailer now out, we have our first official look at the new cast in this classic tale. They're filling the roles made famous in the 1985 original film, which starred Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah, and Danny Glover, among other powerhouse performers. (The 1985 film, which was an adaptation of Alice Walker's 1982 novel, inspired the Broadway musicals.)

    Akosua Busia, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rae Dawn Chong in The Color Purple

    To honor the legendary film and the new musical adaptation, here are the actors and their 1985 counterparts.

    Celie

    fantasia in 2023's the color purple
    whoopi goldberg in 1985's the color purple

    Shug Avery

    taraji p. henson in 2023's the color purple exiting a convertible
    margaret avery in 1985's the color purple

    Sofia

    danielle brooks in 2023's the color pruple
    oprah in 1985's the color purple

    Albert "Mister" Johnson

    colman domingo in 2023's the color purple
    danny glover in 1985's the color purple

    Young Nettie and Celie

    phylicia pearl mpasi and halle bailey in 2023's the color purple
    akosua busia and desreta jackson in 1985's the color purple

    Squeak

    h.e.r. in 2023's the color purple
    rae dawn chong in 1985's the color purple

    Grady

    jon batiste in 2023's the color purple
    bennet guillory in 1985's the color purple

    These are just a few of the many notable actors in the new film. There's also Ciara as an older Nettie, Corey Hawkins as Harpo Johnson, and David Alan Grier as Rev. Samuel Avery, among many others. You can read more about the upcoming film here.