The 1989 film, “Steel Magnolias” depicts a group of women living through love and loss in the great state of Louisiana. The original movie cast a remarkable catalog of actresses including Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, and Olympia Dukakis. However, when the Lifetime Network had the opportunity to make a modern version of this iconic film, they jumped at the chance! The new version, which should premiere this year will feature an all African-American cast of equally fabulous talent. Actress and singer, Queen Latifah will take on the role of “M’Lynn”, with Alfre Woodard as “Ouiser”, Phylicia Rashad as “Clairee”, Grammy winner Jill Scott will be in the part of “Truvy”, Adepero Oduye will play “Annelle” and Condola Rashad will take on Roberts’ part of “Shelby”.  Sources are not certain if the film will still be set in Louisiana, but they are confident that it will shoot in Atlanta, GA.
       
Taking on the task of remaking such a famous, and favored film, poses many challenges. But the production staff for this film is equally as talented as the new cast. Sony Pictures Television will produce the new “Steel Magnolias”, and the movie will be executively produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (of "Chicago" and "Hairspray"), as well as actress Latifah. The three have worked together before on several projects and are hopeful to sustain their creative chemistry. Kenny Leon of "A Raisin in the Sun" will be consulting on the script as it is adapted for television.

This incredible talent and exciting new project has audiences and industry experts all anxious for its’ release. Helen Verno, Vice President of Movies and Miniseries at Sony Pictures Television even said that it is “an honor… to be revisiting the classic Sony film Steel Magnolias under the creative auspices of our producing partners…acclaimed director…and  team of brilliant actors.”

For more on this story, visit CNN Entertainment.

The New Orleans-shot historical-horror flick, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter will be hitting the big screen in June of 2012. But new images and a theatrical trailer have just been released! With period costumes, eerie music, and a title that includes the term “Vampire Hunter”, this new movie has audiences eager for its release- if for no other reason than to see what it is all about. It seems unusual that director Timur Bekmambetov decided to place the USA’s 16th president with the likes of the True Blood characters. But, it makes a little more sense once you learn that Tim Burton is producing the picture. Burton is known for his dark and bizarre films, including “Edward Scissorhands” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Hopefully he, and maybe the influence of his wife- the equally extraordinary Helena Bonham Carter (“Fight Club”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “Harry Potter”), can pull this Vampire picture together!

Even from the trailer, this Southern Celebrity Gossiper is confused, and curious as to what exactly the plot of this new movie will be? Will it be a ridiculously unrealistic horror film, or a provocative merging of genres? Either way, it promises to feature much of Louisiana’s beautiful scenery! Check out the trailer for yourself on Nola.com.

Academy Award winning actress, Reese Witherspoon has been making her hometown of New Orleans proud for the past 20 years. The star has appeared on television shows, advertisements and multiple major films including her most famed roles in “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Walk the Line”, and “Water for Elephants”. The public sees Witherspoon as serious actress with a Southern heart, but her latest film is more action than what we‘ve seen before.

 The new picture, “This Means War” features Reese playing the love interest of two CIA operatives. While the love-triangle theme is familiar from her other movies, like “How Do You Know” and “Water for Elephants”,  the gun-fights and explosions are totally new for a Witherspoon picture. Co-stars Chris Pine and Tom Hardy battle it out with a wide variety of action stunts and military tactics to hopefully win over Reese’s heart.

But action isn’t the only thing new to the actress’ portfolio. Reese has also announced that she is looking forward to taking on more of a producing role in the entertainment industry. She explains, “I’ve been making movies for 20 years and it’s time to sort of take on a leadership role. You don’t feel like a leader at 35, but when you’re on set and realize, ‘I kind of know everything that’s happening here’, I think it’s time to step up a bit”.  We’re all anxious to see this Louisiana local’s new film which comes out on Valentine’s day this year. But we’re also looking forward to all of the exciting new plans for this incredible actress, and producer!