Oprah Winfrey Instagram – @thecolorpurple spotlight: @phyliciapearl We could not cast young Celie until we knew who would play the adult version of her. And when Fantasia accepted the role of Celie, Phylicia was the only other person that could play her, too. Not only can they both sing, dance, and act, but they also look like they were born from the same (talented) family! She shared that Fantasia was her blueprint growing up and now they’re in the same movie playing the same role. If that’s not manifesting, then I don’t know what is. This is Phylicia’s first big movie and she’s knockout. She loved being in it so much that she did exactly what I did when I was a newcomer shooting my version of Purple in 1985: Come to set even on the days you weren’t required. Just soaking it all in. I’m so elated to bring her into the Purple sisterhood and I cannot wait for you to meet her version of Young Celie. The Color Purple is in theaters starting on Christmas Day💜