'Steel Magnolias' to be re-made with black cast

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. cable network Lifetime is developing a small-screen remake of the 1989 film "Steel Magnolias" with an all-black cast, Deadline.com reported.

Like the original, the new version will be set in Louisiana and will explore the relationships of several women who stick together through good times and bad.

Based on Robert Harling's play of the same name, the 1989 movie starred Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts in one of her first film roles.

Deadline.com said the new incarnation will take place in a contemporary setting.

Kenny Leon, who directed the 2008 ABC movie "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Fences" on Broadway in 2010, is on board to direct "Magnolias."

Although no cast has been set yet, the TV movie's producers intend to assemble a group of well-known African-American actresses to star in it, the entertainment news Web site said.