Henson almost didn’t appear in the film. She was the director’s first choice to play Shug Avery, but had to audition anyway. She was also concerned about the pay, a subject she’s addressed in the past. She’s been outspoken about pay disparities and once broke down when discussing the subject.

“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do [and] getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Henson said, according to Variety. “I’m tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over…Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate, I’m at the bottom again, like I never did what I just did, and I’m tired. I’m tired. It wears on you.” 

Danielle Brooks, who played Sofia, praised Henson. She “was our voice,” Brooks said, according to Variety. “This was my first studio film. Sometimes you do come in saying, ‘Ok, I’ll take whatever they give me. I’m just happy to be here.’ But (Taraji) spoke up for us. You showed me how to do that.”

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