“The Color Purple” brought in the color green with over $18 million on its opening day.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film dominated the box office with expectations of $18 million from 3,152 North American theaters. It’s the largest Christmas Day opening for a film since 2009, and the second-biggest Christmas Day opening of all time.
The record-holder for biggest Christmas Day opening belongs to 2009’s Sherlock Holmes ($24.6 million).
The Color Purple, an adaptation of Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, features an ensemble cast that includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Tamela Mann, Deon Cole, Louis Gossett Jr., Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Ciara, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, the last of whom took on the leading role of Celie Harris Johnson.
The heavied promotion of The Color Purple clearly paid big dividends, almost double initial projections of $8 million for it’s opening day. The first trailer for the film launced in May. A month before the release, the star-studded cast took part in a global tour in promotion of the film. According to Collider.com, the opening day release received a 97% approval rating from audiences over 55 years old. It was also lauded with sensational audience approval ratings, currently sitting at a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
A few weeks ahead of the film’s premiere, The Color Purple (Music From and Inspired By) was released featuring songs by Halle Bailey, Fantasia, Danielle Brooks, Alicia Keys, H.E.R, Usher and more soulful vocalists.
The Color Purple is officially in theaters now.