Queen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott Head The All-Black Cast Version of Steel Magnolias

Back in October, we reported that an All-Black version of the play, TV series and 1989 film, Steel Magnolias, was coming to movie screens soon, via Sony and Lifetime. Steel Magnolias tells the story of 6 Louisiana women who congregate at their beauty salon and support each other through the complications of death, marriage, and family life. Queen Latifah will executive produce the new movie and the cast is scheduled to start filming in Atlanta next month (we’re told the movie will hit screens later this year). The original movie, which starred Julia Robers and Dolly Parton, will now star Queen Latifah (she’s producing and acting), playing the role of M’Lynn. Alfre Woodard will play Ouiser; Phylicia Rashad will play Clairee; Jill Scott will play Truvy; Adepero Oduye will play Annelle; and Condola Rashad, Phylicia Rashad’s daughter, will play Shelby. These Black superstars will take the roles originally played by actors such as Dolly Partonand Julia Roberts. Of his new all-star line-up, the president of Lifetime explained,

“The caliber of talent associated with this film is astounding and falls in line with our strategy to make Lifetime a first stop for the industry’s best both in front of and behind the camera. 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.”