In what could end up being a polarizing move, Oprah Winfrey is in final negotiations to join the cast of Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time. Earlier this year, it was revealed Disney had acquired the rights to Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved Young Adult novel, and was in the process of transitioning the story to film. The book, which centers on a teenaged girl named Meg Murry, follows a group of children as they search for their missing father. Aiding the children on their journey are three mysterious women named Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, who take the children among far-flung galaxies and may just be angels of God. According to Variety,
“Winfrey will play Mrs. Which, one of the three Mrs. Ws that helps guide the children along their journey. Winfrey and Duvernay have a relationship going back to Selma, which Winfrey appeared in and Duvernay directed. Sources say Duvernay always had Winfrey in mind for one of the three Mrs. Ws.”
It’s unknown how Christians will inevitably respond to this casting news. Though credited for her acting and extensive charity work, Winfrey has failed to strike a chord with faith-based viewers due to her somewhat Universalist viewpoints. Adding to the trouble is the fact that A Wrinkle in Time contains a number of Christian themes, with believers hoping the film will do justice to their faith.
Currently, A Wrinkle in Time is scheduled to release sometime in 2017
*Published 8/2/2016