Lifetime casts all-black 'Steel Magnolias' remake

I love this idea. I am a huge fan of the original and cannot wait to see this take on it.

Last fall, Lifetime announced plans to create an updated version of the 1989 movie 'Steel Magnolias' with an all-black cast, and so far the project has snagged stars like Queen Latifah and Phylicia Rashad. According to Entertainment Weekly, Queen Latifah is set to take on the role of M'Lynn Eatenton (originally played by Sally Field), and will also serve as executive producer on the project along with Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Condola Rashad will play M'Lynn's diabetic daughter Shelby, as previously played by Julia Roberts, while Condola's real-life mother Phylicia Rashad will portray the widow Clairee. Alfre Woodard's on board to portray Ouiser Boudreaux; "Pariah's" Adepero Oduye is set to take on beauty assistant Annelle; and Jill Scott is expected to play hairdresser Truvy. The President and General Manager of Lifetime Networks, Nancy Dubuc, said in a statement that the cast that's been assembled is "astounding." To be directed by Kenny Leon, "Queen Latifah, Phylicia, Alfre, Jill, Adepero and Condola are some of the most celebrated women in music, film, television and stage ," Dubuc said, "and we could not be more thrilled and honored for them to bring Robert Harling's poignant story about the strength of women to a whole new generation." Last year, Lifetime described the new "Steel Magnolias" as revolving around a close group of women in Louisiana, which makes it sound like it'll stick close to the original adaptation of the stage play, but only time will tell if that's the case. A premiere date is expected to be scheduled for later this year.

Source: CNN's "The Marquee Blog"