Color Purple’ Remake Falters at Box Office
Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple” Remake Struggles at the Box Office
Oprah Winfrey’s highly anticipated remake of “The Color Purple” is facing challenges at the box office, despite its impressive opening over the Christmas holiday. The Broadway musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel debuted on December 25, earning $18.5 million, thanks to group sales, according to the New York Times. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, and Danielle Brooks, the 2023 version received initial praise.
However, the film’s success was short-lived. Despite Warner Bros. spending at least $90 million on production and an additional $40 million on marketing, the movie only grossed $47.2 million domestically by the end of the New Year’s holiday weekend, as reported by the New York Times. This marked a 62% decline in sales from its opening weekend, with the film currently in 7th place at the box office.
In comparison, the original 1985 Spielberg version of “The Color Purple” starring Whoopi Goldberg performed exceptionally well, earning nearly $100 million at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo. One notable difference between the two movies was the emphasis on certain aspects of Walker’s story, particularly the lesbian relationship, as noted by FrontPage magazine.
The New York Times suggested that the film’s lackluster performance could be attributed to its inability to attract a wider audience beyond its specialty demographic. While it was well-received by Black moviegoers, it needed broader appeal to thrive at the box office. On opening weekend, the audience consisted of 65% Black, 19% white, 8% Hispanic, and approximately 5% Asian viewers, according to PostTrak.
Warner’s president of domestic distribution, Jeff Goldstein, believes it is too early to determine whether the film is a box office failure. He stated, “The jury is going to be out for several weeks as people talk to their friends about what movies they have seen and enjoyed, and the film continues to be honored by awards groups.” Goldstein also noted that older audiences tend to take their time before heading to theaters.
How did the decision to release the film exclusively in theaters contribute to its struggles at the box office, considering the rise of streaming platforms and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
S. This disappointing performance has left industry experts puzzled, as “The Color Purple” has been a beloved story since its publication in 1982 and its subsequent successful film adaptation in 1985, which was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.
One possible explanation for the underwhelming box office numbers is the competition from other highly anticipated films released during the same period. December is typically a crowded month for movie releases, with major studios vying for audiences’ attention and wallets. This year was no exception, with blockbusters like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “The Matrix Resurrections” dominating the box office and drawing in massive audiences. It’s possible that “The Color Purple” got lost in the midst of these big-budget spectacles, despite the star power of Oprah Winfrey and the positive reception it initially received.
Another factor that may have contributed to the film’s struggles is the decision to release it exclusively in theaters. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of streaming platforms, many moviegoers have turned to the convenience and safety of watching films from the comfort of their own homes. While theaters have made a comeback in recent months, the option to stream new releases still poses a strong competition to traditional box office numbers.
Furthermore, the Broadway musical version of “The Color Purple” has been immensely popular since its premiere in 2005, earning critical acclaim and multiple Tony Awards. It’s possible that audiences who were already familiar with the stage adaptation may have been less motivated to see the film version, especially considering the high ticket prices that come with a trip to the movies. Additionally, the story of ”The Color Purple” tackles heavy and sensitive subject matters, such as racism, sexism, and abuse, which may have limited its appeal to a broader audience.
Despite its struggles at the box office, “The Color Purple” remake is still receiving praise for its performances and its faithfulness to the source material. Taraji P. Henson, in particular, has been lauded for her portrayal of Celie, a role originally played by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1985 film adaptation. While the financial disappointment of the film may be disheartening, it’s important to recognize the artistic and cultural impact that ”The Color Purple” has had over the years.
In conclusion, Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple” remake may not have achieved the financial success that was expected, but its struggles at the box office can be attributed to a combination of factors. The fierce competition from other blockbuster releases, the decision to release exclusively in theaters, the story’s heavy subject matter, and the popularity of the Broadway musical adaptation all likely played a role in its underperformance. Nevertheless, the film’s significance and the powerful performances of its cast should not be overlooked. “The Color Purple” remains a timeless and influential story that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
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