H.E.R. in Final Talks to Join THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Musical

Academy Award-winning singer, songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, H.E.R., is currently in final talks to make her feature film debut in the upcoming movie musical adaptation of The Color Purple.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the acclaimed artist is deep in talks to step into the role of Squeak, Harpo's juke joint waitress girlfriend, turned aspiring singer.

In addition to her onscreen gig, H.E.R. is also reportedly working with the film's creative team on potentially writing and performing a new song for the film.

According to the report, the film is currently in pre-production. A source close to the film tells THR that casting is showing signs of completion as the team holds chemistry reads.

H.E.R., who is has won four Grammys and an Oscar as a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. In 2021, she earned an Academy Award for her song "Fight for You," from the film "Judas and the Black Messiah". She also boasts Grammy Awards for Song Of The Year, Best R&B Song, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Album.

Earlier this week, it was announced that In the Heights star, Corey Hawkins, has joined the cast of the film in the role of Squeak's boyfriend, Harpo.

Blitz Bazawule will direct the movie, according to Deadline, with a script by Marcus Gardley. No other casting decisions have yet been announced.

The story depicts the lives of African American families and relationships in early twentieth-century Georgia.

The musical, featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, blues and African rhythms, has a book by Marsha Norman with music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. It first premiered on Broadway in 2005; a 2016 revival garnered Tony wins for leading actress Cynthia Erivo and for Best Revival of a Musical.

The Color Purple is based on the 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker. It was originally adapted into a non-musical film in 1985, starring Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, and more.