It’s been nearly 25 years since Steel Magnolias first appeared in movie theatres and now a new version is hitting the small screen. The story is the same, but it has some very distinct differences – like an all African-American cast.
Queen Latifah stars as M’Lynn, in the role first made famous by Sally Field, telling us she was determined to make the part her own: “The first thing I did was make sure I didn’t watch the original, because it wouldn’t be fresh in my mind. I wouldn’t be thinking what Sally Field did with this line, or how she said it this way.”;
The TV movie also stars Alfre Woodard, Jill Scott and Phylicia Rashad, along with her real-life daughter Condola Rashad. And Queen Latifah, who is also one of the executive producers, says she couldn’t be happier with the cast: “I felt very blessed to have everyone we’ve had in this cast. It was the perfect combination of each character.”;
She hasn’t yet talked to anyone from the original movie, but when ET Canada tells her original cast member Dolly Parton has given her the thumbs up, she’s thrilled. “Awwww, that’s my girl,”; says Queen Latifah of her “Joyful Noise”; co-star. “I love her to death.”;
Watch the remake of Steel Magnolias on Monday, October 8 on Lifetime Canada. Plus, see our interview with Queen Latifah on ET Canada tonight!
– By Kim Gonsalves
