H.E.R. to Make Acting Debut in Upcoming The Color Purple Musical Film
Last week, we reported on the first cast member of the upcoming The Color Purple musical film adaptation to be announced—Corey Hawkins. Now, Oscar and Grammy winner H.E.R., aka Gabriella Wilson, has also been added to the cast. H.E.R., who won an Oscar for “Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah, will be making her acting debut as Squeak in the upcoming movie. The Color Purple—directed by Black Is King director Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones—is set to be released on December 21, 2023.
New Marlon James Novel Moon Witch, Spider King Out in February
Booker prize winner and best-selling author Marlon James has announced the release date for the second novel in his Dark Star trilogy, Moon Witch, Spider King. The book will be out on February 15, 2022. In an exclusive interview with Gizmodo, Marlon James explained that the trilogy is not linear, which means someone could read Moon Witch, Spider King before reading Black Leopard, Red Wolf. In fact, James says that he’s looking forward to the perspectives of those who read the new novel before 2019’s Black Leopard, Red Wolf. The new story is parallel to James’ 2019 novel. It follows the character of Sogolon the Moon Witch, who is a rival to Tracker, the protagonist of Black Leopard, Red Wolf. “I’ve always been interested in how two people seeing the same thing can come to very different conclusions,” James said of his decision to tell the same story from multiple perspectives. “I’m leaving the burden of truth up to the reader, so it will be interesting when this trilogy is done, seeing whose story they count as true.”
Padma Lakshmi Releasing Children’s Book with a Message This Week
Indian American author, activist, model, and television host Padma Lakshmi is releasing her first children’s book this Tuesday, and it includes a powerful message. Tomatoes for Neela mixes together Lakshmi’s memories of family cooking with practical food advice and also a couple of recipes. Lakshmi says that the book is “just really about teaching children how to cook from an early age, respecting Mother Nature and eating when things are in season.” The book is brought to life through illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal, who was awarded a Caldecott Honor for Alma and How She Got Her Name. Lakshmi has dedicated the book to her daughter “who gives meaning to everything.”
Uplift Your Favorite Trans Books Today Using this Hashtag
Marginalized voices in literature often only get uplifted in response to intolerance. #TransBooks365 hopes to celebrate trans voice every day of the year, not just as a reaction to transphobia.