They say you should never mess with a classic — and “Steel Magnolias” is definitely one of those movies that was done to perfection the first time around—but nonetheless, Lifetime has indeed remade the movie in a major way – with an all-black cast!
You want to hear something even more strange? After viewing the trailer, I think audiences will be pleased!
Lifetime did not change the storyline or the names of the characters from the 1989 movie (adapted from Robert Harling’s 1987 play), just turned the six Southern white women into six Southern black women – complete with Truvy’s Beauty Shop and a feisty old woman named Ouiser.
Speaking of Ouiser, Shirley MacClaine’s character is being played by Alfre Woodard – who pulls it off magnificently at first glance; Phylicia Rashad has stepped into Olympia Dukakis’ shoes as Clairee and Queen Latifah plays the overprotective, heartbroken mother (M’Lynn) Sally Field portrayed in the original tearjerker.
Rounding out the star-studded cast is Jill Scott, filling Dolly Parton’s role as Truvy; Adepero Oduye as Annelle, originally played by Daryl Hannah, and Condola Rashad as Shelby, Julia Robert’s original character.
“Queen Latifah, Phylicia, Alfre, Jill, Adepero and Condola are some of the most celebrated women in music, film, television and stage, 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,” said Lifetime Networks president and GM Nancy Dubuc.
She is right and kudos to Lifetime for taking such a big risk. We are actually excited to see it!
Check out the trailer below, courtesy of Lifetime Movie Network.
