Eurweb and ABC previously reported that Steel Magnolias would be remade with an all-black cast; now we have the deets on who will star. Deadline.com reveals that Queen Latifah will play M’Lynn, the long-suffering Southern matron; Alfre Woodard will play Quiser, the wealthy and irreverent contrarian; Phylicia Rashad will play Clairee, the elegant, tart-tongued widow; Jill Scott will play Truvy, the southern-fried salon beauty parlor owner; Adepero Oduye (known for her lead turn in Pariah) will portray naive newcomer Annelle, and doomed sweetheart Shelby will be played by Condola Rashad (daughter of Phylicia and Ahmad, who made her Broadway debut in Stick Fly).
The original film featured Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah and Julia Roberts. One of my favorite scenes:
I really like to withhold judgment until a film airs but this casting leaves a little to be desired, and I think at least a couple of roles have been seriously miscast. I’m not eager to hear another round of “fake” southern accents, if indeed the movie will be set in the south (Louisiana). But I am eager to see if Kenny Leon can make his Lifetime television version as poignant and funny as the original. The film is treasured for its pacing and I especially loved that the interaction and emotion between the women didn’t feel forced. Yes, it was a little hokey and yes, the accents were syrupy, but it’s a classic! And pink is my signature color!
What say you?
Image via Eurweb.com, People, , Rotten Tomatoes, Broadway World
Same Chic Different Day 
Boo to Kenny Leon remaking one of my favorite southern movies with an all black cast. I agree it’s terribly miscast. Alfre Woodard is the only person I could possibly see in this movie and it’s not as Quiser. Am I to believe that we really can’t write our own stories…we have to remake what was done great the first time! #classicforareason
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