First announced back in October 2011, a remake of the 1989 tear jerker drama set in Louisiana, Steel Magnolias, with an all-African American cast, was in development.

Fast-forward to almost 5 months later, and we have our official cast for the project, announced earlier today:

Queen Latifah (she'll also executive produce) as M'Lynn, Alfre Woodard as Ouiser, Phylicia Rashad as Clairee, Jill Scott as Truvy, Adepero Oduye as Annelle and Rashad’s daughter, Condola Rashad as Shelby. 

If you recall, the original Steel Magnolias starred Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine,Darryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts.

This all-black reincarnation for Lifetime is set to be directed by Kenny Leon (ABC's A Raisin in The Sun, Broadways' Fences and The Mountaintop), and will be adapted from the 1989 film screenplay by Sally Robinson, to be produced by Craig Zadan, Neil Meron and Sony Pictures TV.

Supporting each other through their triumphs and tragedies, they congregate at Truvy’s beauty shop to ponder the mysteries of life and death, husbands and children — and hair and nails — all the important topics that bring women together.

Production begins next month in Atlanta for a premiere later this year.

"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.,” " said Lifetime’s president and general manager Nancy Dubuc. 

One person in this group I'm most happiest for is Adepero (photo above), fresh off her acclaimed performance in Dee Rees' Pariah. I guess this will be her next!

Are you looking forward to this? Whether yes or no, what're your reasons?