Jon Batiste to debut as an actor in “The Color Purple” after his victory at the Grammys

From recognition in music to pursuing a career in acting, this is how Jon Batiste expands his talent into other branches of the entertainment industry. In early April, the 35-year-old songwriter and singer was crowned the big winner of this year's Grammy ceremony. After winning five awards, this time the musician is betting on his beginnings as an actor with his first role in The Color Purple.

This is a film version of the Broadway musical (Tony Award winning) which, in turn, is an adaptation of the novel by Alice Walker published in 1982. Three years later, Steven Spielberg relied on this Pulitzer-worthy book to direct the period drama film. The story followed an African-American woman named Celie Harris and the difficulties she faced living in the southern United States in the early 20th century.

The next film is in charge of Warner Bros. and will feature performances by several African-American film and music stars. Batiste will give life to Grady, the husband of Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson) who serves as a pianist. Other faces that will be part of the project are singers Fantasia Barrino and H.E.R, as well as actors Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo and Corey Hawkins.

The Color Purple will be directed by Blitz Bazawule, who was behind Black Is King (Beyoncé's film and visual album). The script is written by Marcus Gardley based on the book by Marsha Norman and the musical composition of Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The film is currently in pre-production, while the cast selection is being completed.

Oprah Winfrey had her first acting role in the 1985 production of Spielberg and her performance earned her an Oscar nomination. Several decades later, the television presenter produces the new film adaptation through her company Harpo Films, while the renowned filmmaker does the same through Amblin Entertainment. Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones, who created the Broadway staging, will also be producers. Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Adam Fell and Mara Jacobs feature in executive production.

According to the official Warner Bros. calendar, the US release date of The Color Purple will be December 20, 2023.

The musician behind the charming soundtrack of Soul

Before going after his film debut, Jon Batiste had already dazzled many viewers with his remarkable work on the soundtrack of Soul. Pixar's film was one of the Disney titles hardest hit by the pandemic and was released only through its digital platform. Despite the crisis caused by the closures of cinemas, the animation proposal directed by Pete Docter managed to captivate children and adults at home with a deep plot about the purposes of life and with magnificent melodies to set the mood for the jazzy music scene in New York.

KEEP READING: