“The Color Purple” is one of the most highly-awaited movie musical adaptations this 2023. The star-studded movie musical features Fantasia, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brookes, and even H.E.R, among many others.

Apparently, Beyoncé and Rihanna were supposed to appear in “The Color Purple,” but producer Oprah shut the idea down.

Beyoncé, Rihanna in ‘The Color Purple’
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about the upcoming film, Oprah Winfrey explained why the idea was shut down immediately.

“To be completely honest about it, if you were doing this film for $30 or $40 million, the interest in the cast would be very different,” Winfrey revealed. “Once the film moved to $90 to $100 million, then everybody wants us to bring Beyoncé.

According to the famed producer, people from the production were already asking if she could get Beyoncé or Rihanna for the film.

“So we’re sitting in a room saying, ‘Listen, we love Beyoncé. We love Rihanna, but there are other actors who can do this job.'” she recalled saying.

Per Oprah, she believes that the two singers are booked and busy this year.

“I do remember conversations about, ‘Y’all, Beyoncé is going to be busy this year.’ It wasn’t even a negotiation, because you’re not getting Beyoncé,” Oprah remembered.

True enough, Beyoncé kickstarted her “Renaissance” tour this year in Europe and capped off things in the United States. As for Rihanna, she had been busy preparing for the Super Bowl earlier this year before announcing her second child.

Rihanna also had to give birth while managing her billion-dollar business.

‘The Color Purple’ Golden Globe Nominations
Broadway star and “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino earned her first Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for the outstanding reprisal of her role in the film adaptation of “The Color Purple” musical. Barrino famously played the role on Broadway in 2007. (via People Magazine)

Also coming from the same film, “The Color Purple,” Danielle Brooks also earned her very first Golden Globes nomination for reprising her role Sofia in the film adaptation. She played Sofia on the musical revival in 2015 where she earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

‘The Color Purple’ Astra Film and Creative Awards
Aside from the Golden Globe Awards, “The Color Purple” also reaped nominations from the 2024 Astra Film and Creative Awards. (via Billboard)

The entire cast was nominated for Best Ensemble, Colman Domingo for Best Supporting Actor, Danielle Brooks for Best Supporting Actress, Fantasia Barrino for Best Actress, and the film for Best Picture.