In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter about The Color Purple, Oprah Winfrey expressed concerns about the impact of the film's performance on future projects featuring Black or brown individuals. Despite the industry's commitment to investing in diverse narratives following the racial reckoning after George Floyd's death, Winfrey acknowledges the ongoing challenges of making these kinds of films. Furthermore, she highlights how studios are increasingly hesitant to take risks on more complex projects in general.
Winfrey stated that the fear of failure and the pressure to create commercially successful works hinder the industry's appreciation for the true power of storytelling. In past eras of Hollywood, films like book-based films "The English Patient" and the non-musical film "The Color Purple" resonated with audiences, showcasing the potential of impactful narratives. But, in today's Hollywood, if a film lacks a pre-existing marketable brand, it becomes difficult to pitch and secure support for the project. Unless a filmmaker is able to attach stars like Rihanna, Beyoncé, or Taylor Swift, who have massive followings, obtaining interest becomes challenging. This issue is not only to stories about people of color but also to anyone attempting to create meaningful films that explore a variety of subjects.
Winfrey also acknowledges that there is little commercially exploitable material within The Covenant of Water , such as merchandise or tie-ins. Still, she remains committed to finding and crafting stories that serve as offerings to the world, allowing individuals, particularly people of color, to see themselves portrayed positively and authentically.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter