Cynthia Erivo Suggests Tension with ‘Color Purple’ Team, Won’t Reprise Celie Role

Cynthia Erivo raises eyebrows with hints of discord among the team behind the film adaptation of The Color Purple, a project that could have seen her making history. Erivo, who captured a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony for her acclaimed portrayal of Celie in the Broadway version of The Color Purple, opted not to reprise the role in the movie. If she had, and subsequently won an Oscar, she would have become the first artist to achieve EGOT status from a single production.

Fantasia Barrino, who stepped in for Erivo during the original Broadway run, took on the role of Celie in the film. During a guest appearance on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, Cynthia shared her thoughts on the movie and alluded to tensions surrounding the project. When Marc mentioned attending a “friends and family” screening that featured many from the original Broadway cast, Erivo’s response hinted at her exclusion, saying, “Oh, wow, wow, wow. Oh, yeah, I didn’t get that invite.” When Marc suggested it seemed like there might be some tension, Cynthia replied, “Well, I don’t know why though.”

As the conversation progressed, she was asked if she was considered for the role, to which she remarked, “Um, that’s a long, complicated conversation that I probably shouldn’t even get into… Lord knows why. But, you know.”

In the meantime, fans can enjoy a performance of her powerful number “I’m Here” from the musical. Stay tuned for updates on Cynthia’s latest endeavors and insights into her personal life as well.