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Viola Davis, Jenifer Lewis and Diana Ross lead my dream cast for black version of “Steel Magnolias”
Let’s face it, the cast for the movie version of Steel Magnolias was perfect: Sally Field as M’Lynn and Julia Roberts as her daughter SHELBY. There was also Dolly Parton as Truvy, owner of the local hair salon where all the ladies gather and Darryl Hannah as Annelle, the new girl in town hired by Truvvy as a hairdresser. And finally, you had the great Shirley MacLaine as the town grump Ouiser and Olympia Dukakis as her best friend Clairee.
I can do all of their line readings – especially Sally Field’s at her daughter’s graveside: “I’m fiiiiiiiiiinnnnne!!!!!!!”
Now comes word that Lifetime is cooking up a contemporary remake of the film with an all-black cast.
Oh, what fun!
Let’s explore the possibilities!
The casting of M’Lynn is key since she’s sort of the glue that holds all the women together. Sally Field was exceptional in the role and robbed of an Oscar nomination (only Julia Roberts was nominated for the film).
This is certainly a role Oscar nominee Viola Davis could sink her teeth into. She should be offered the part on a silver platter. But the star of The Help and Doubt certainly has her pick of parts these days. If she won’t do it, Angela Bassett or Alfre Woodard could nail it or even Halle Berry who is technically old enough to be a grandmother.
For the role of Shelby, help me out here. I think it should likely go to a young actress who is largely unknown as Roberts was.
For Truvy, I’ve already heard RuPaul suggested but I’d like to nominate Diana Ross. She hasn’t made a movie since 1999’s Double Platinum and she’s at least as good an actress – if not better – than Dolly Parton. How fun would it be to have Diana running a beauty salon?
And a perfect Annelle? Miss Ross’s very own daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross who starred for eight seasons on the sitcom Girlfriends and recently had a recurring role on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Did you think I was going to suggest Jennifer Hudson? She’s a great singer and deserved the Oscar for Dreamgirls but I still have doubt about her acting chops after seeing her in Sex and the City.
Grumpy Ouisa? I think Jenifer Lewis would be such a hoot in the role! But, of course, Oscar winners Mo’Nique and Whoopi Goldberg would probably have to pass on it first. And rounding out the cast as Clairee would absolutely have to be 2011 Emmy winner Loretta Devine.
So there it is: I’ve cast the film!
The project will be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron and Sony Pictures TV and directed by Kenny Leon, who directed the 2008 ABC movie A Raisin In The Sun.
NOTE: I have corrected the character of Shelby. I had originally called her Chelsea. Of COURSE I know her name, was just thinking of Jane Fonda’s character in On Golden Pond I guess!
Comments
(All comments are reviewed before being published, and I review submissions several times per day.)
Michael says:
Hey there- M’Lynn’s daughter’s name is Shelby, not Chelsea. 🙂
Christopher Sullivan says:
Awesome cast, Greg!! Jenifer Lewis is an underated actress. Love her! Love your blog, read it everyday.
P.S. M’lynn’s daughter is Shelby. Remember? “Shelby, drink your juice!” 🙂
Neal says:
Greg – Julia Robert’s character in Steel Magnolia was named “Shelby”, not “Chelsea”. Love your cast; I’ll be watching.
Morgen says:
How about Phylicia Rashad as M’Lynn?
A dream cast is all well and good, but I still say that Steel Magnolias doesn’t need to be remade!
Bob Hawk says:
I nominate Rutina Wesley, of TRUE BLOOD, for Shelby. She is currently kicking ass opposite Jonathan Groff in an Off-Broadway play, THE SUBMISSION. She’s not ALL that well known — at least not in feature films — and just within the course of above play she’s chameleon-like and could play young enough. She’s amazing to watch.
mbb says:
i agree with you you Bob. Rutina would shine in this role!!
Vicky says:
Yes, I need to see Diana back on the screen- TV and Film. So tremendously talented.
mee says:
There are many phenomenal actresses eho voild tackle thesr roles, Jurnee Smullett would be great as Shelby, Marla Gibbs as Ouosa, Debbie Allen or Jenifer Lewis as Claree. I agree with Phylicia as M’Lynn and Tracee Ellis Ross as Annelle. John Amos as M’Lynn’s husband or Angela Bassett’s husband. That’s a dynamic cast.