‘The Color Purple’ is being brought to the big screen anew – this time as a musical movie.

Set for release in US theaters on Christmas Day (December 25), the promotional machine is firing up for what many have deemed the year’s must-see offering.

The latest stop is the cover of Essence Magazine, which features the cast – Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and H.E.R. – alongside producer Oprah Winfrey.

Head below for pics and a powerful excerpt:

Fantasia: I started shouting [upon finding out I got the role]. I ran through the house. I had just had my baby and was trying to bounce back. I kept thinking, This is not going to come through. In the beginning, I wasn’t going to take the role—because I knew I was going to have to step into some things that I’d buried.

Oprah: I’m so glad you decided yes. Did you know that when we did the original film, Quincy Jones went to Tina Turner to play Shug Avery? Tina said, “I cannot step back into that world. I’ve already lived it with Ike.” Margaret Avery stepped into the role and did a magnificent job. I understand that you have to relive a lot of trauma. Was that the case for you during this filming, Fantasia?

Fantasia: It was. But I had an amazing cast to support me.

I came out healed. I’m glad that I did it. I am free from some things that I was holding on to.

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: Essence / Mickalene Thomas]