The Color Purple Makes Box Office History with Record-Breaking Christmas Opening

The long-awaited 2023 adaptation of The Color Purple has made box office history on its Christmas opening day. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, and American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, this musical adaptation brings Alice Walker's 1982 novel to life.

The Color Purple, based on Walker's novel, was first adapted for the screen in 1985 with Whoopi Goldberg and Danny Glover. It was later adapted into a Broadway musical in 2005. Now, the Broadway version has received the adaptation treatment, and here's the information on the box office earnings of The Color Purple.

The Color Purple box office: How much has it made?

The Color Purple pulled in a cool $18 million on its opening day, making it the best-performing Christmas debut since 2009.

"The Color Purple" achieved the highest Christmas Day opening for a film since 2009, and the second-highest Christmas Day opening of all time.

The Color Purple has achieved the second-biggest festive opening of all time, as reported by Variety. This accomplishment comes just behind the Christmas Day release of Sherlock Holmes in 2009. Pulling in $18 million from 3,152 North American theaters, The Color Purple surpassed competition from films such as Michael Mann’s Ferrari, Aquaman 2, and Paul King’s Wonka. Even George Clooney’s sports biopic The Boys in the Boat failed to reach the same level of box office success.

How big is The Color Purple’s budget?

The Color Purple will not be released in international territories such as the U.K. until January 2024, potentially leading to a further increase in box office numbers.

The Color Purple's budget of $90 million far exceeds the original 1985 movie's $15 million. The increase in budget for the 2023 adaptation is not unexpected, considering the time period and the producers involved.

The Color Purple is backed by three major producers: Steven Spielberg, director of the 1985 film, original cast member Oprah Winfrey, and record producer Quincy Jones. Scott Sanders, creator of the Broadway show, also joins the group. Speaking on CBS News, Winfrey expressed her admiration for Danielle Brooks' portrayal of Sofia, saying, "We both hugged and cried after she finished. It is officially done. You have taken it and made it yours. It is officially done.”

Explore our upcoming movie and TV hubs that include the following:

- Fantastic Four

- Avengers: The Kang Dynasty

- Avengers: Secret Wars

- Marvel Zombies

- The Marvels

- Agatha: Coven of Chaos

- Blade MCU

- Captain America 4

- The Boys Season 4

- Avatar 3

- Batman: The Brave And The Bold

- Beetlejuice 2

- Blade

- Deadpool 3

- Dune 2

- Gladiator 2

- Mission: Impossible 8

- Mortal Kombat 2

- Beyond the Spider-Verse

- Superman: Legacy

- Thunderbolts

- Venom 3

- Wicked

- 1923 Season 2

- Citadel Season 2

- Daredevil: Born Again

- Euphoria Season 3

- Severance Season 2

- Stranger Things Season 5

- The Last of Us Season 2

- The Mandalorian Season 4

- The Penguin

- The Sandman Season 2

- The White Lotus Season 3

- Wednesday Season 2

- Yellowjackets Season 3

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of The Color Purple, I am thrilled to witness the record-breaking success of the 2023 adaptation on its Christmas opening day. The film's ability to captivate audiences and generate such impressive box office numbers is a testament to the enduring power of Alice Walker's story and the exceptional talent involved in this production.

The Color Purple holds a special place in my heart, and seeing it come to life on the big screen once again is truly magical. The performances of the cast, particularly Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks, are simply breathtaking, and the musical numbers are hauntingly beautiful. The film's ability to blend drama, music, and social commentary is truly remarkable, and I believe it will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.