Queen Latifah, Jill Scott star in 'Steel Magnolias' remake
Queen Latifah is joining the star-studded cast for Lifetime's all-African-American Steel Magnolias reboot as M'Lynn, the character played by Sally Field in the 1989 feature film of the same name. Condola Rashad will play her diabetes-stricken daughter, Shelby (played by Julia Roberts), and Rashad's mother Phylicia will reinterpret the role of Clairee (portrayed by Olympia Dukakis). Alfre Woodard will tackle the irascible Ouiser, who was unforgettably played by Shirley MacLaine, Jill Scott looks to fill Dolly Parton's shoes as understanding hairdresser Truvy, and Pariah breakout Adepero Oduye will play insecure newcomer Annelle, made famous by Daryl Hannah.
"The caliber of talent associated with this film is astounding," said Nancy Dubuc, President and General Manager of Lifetime Networks. "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."
Queen Latifah will also executive produce the project alongside Smash's Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, with whom she worked during his Oscar-nominated turn in 2003's Chicago. Kenny Leon, who directed Phylicia Rashad in 2004 Broadway production A Raisin in the Sun, will direct.
While the original film took place in Georgia and production on the update begins next month in Atlanta, the film itself will take place in Louisiana. Very few details have been released about how the "contemporary" update will revise the original material but network heads are projecting a premiere later this year.
Now to the really important question: Will there be "armadilla" cake?
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