Set to air on the Lifetime Network this year, the all-Black adaptation of “Steel Magnolias” begins production next month in Atlanta. Playwright Kenny Leon is producing the film that originally debuted in 1989 and starred Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Sally Field, and several other standout actresses of the time.
The new cast includes:
Queen Latifah as M’Lynn, the role Sally Field played in the original film. Golden Globe and Emmy winner Alfre Woodard as Ouiser (Shirley MacClaine’s role), Phylicia Rashad of “Cosby” fame as Clairee (Olympia Dukakis in the film), Grammy winner Jill Scott as Truvy (Dolly Parton in the film), Adeperio Oduye as Annelle (Daryl Hannah in the film), and Condola Rashas as Shelby (Julia Roberts in the film).
The original film, about six women in Louisiana who congregate at Truvy’s beauty shop and deal with trials and triumphs over years, grossed $83 million in theaters. .
How will this version compare to the original? And, how will their "trials and triumphs" differ being African-American women?
