Bustle - Taraji P. Henson’s Time Is Now

It doesn’t matter how familiar you might be with Alice Walker’s seminal novel, The Color Purple; its 1985 film adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg; or even the Broadway show, because according to Taraji P. Henson, the latest movie musical, directed by Blitz Bazawule, offers something different. “We've reimagined it, and we are passing it to another generation,” the actor tells W’s editor-at-large, Lynn Hirschberg. “And 30 years from now, they will reimagine another part of this magical universe.” In the newest iteration of the renowned coming-of-age drama, Henson plays Shug, the entrancing jazz singer who develops a complicated relationship with Fantasia Barrino’s Celie. Here, the 53-year-old discusses why she was destined to be involved in the film and her Virgo tendencies.

The London-based creative made her mark on fashion with sustainable, conversation-starting menswear. Now, her universe is evolving.