Ciara has joined the cast of ‘The Color Purple’ movie musical, the upcoming film adaptation of The Color Purple musical stage production. The 36-year-old Ciara will star as the adult version of Nettie, with fellow recording artist and actress Halle Bailey previously announced as portraying the younger version of the character. Ciara wrote on Twitter: “Honored to be a part of this beautiful ensemble and historic film, The Color Purple. Truly grateful.”

The movie musical version of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel follows American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino as Celie, who navigates Southern life in the early 1900s. Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson also are set to star in the film as Sofia and Shug Avery, respectively. Other cast members include: Colman Domingo as Mister; Corey Hawkins as Harpo; H.E.R. as Squeak; Louis Gossett Jr. as Ol’ Mister; David Alan Grier as Reverend Avery; Tamela J. Mann as First Lady; Phylicia Mpasi as Young Celie; Deon Cole as Alfonso; and Stephen Hill as Buster.

Set to begin shooting this month in Georgia, The Color Purple will be produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. Spielberg directed the 1985 film that Winfrey starred in. Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones also will produce the project.

The film is slated for a December 2023 theatrical release.

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