Following the cancellation of the ABC summer series she co-starred in, “Uncle Buck,” Nia Long has been cast in the role of Hillary in Lifetime’s upcoming television adaptation of the 1988 film “Beaches” – a role that was originally portrayed by Barbara Hershey.
Long joins the previously-cast Idina Menzel in the telepic, who will play CC (Bette Midler’s character in the original film).
The remake will follow CC and Hillary who, though worlds apart in lifestyle, embark on an unexpected and lifelong friendship. Menzel’s CC is an aspiring singer trying to make it in Los Angeles; and Long’s Hillary is the daughter of a prominent civil rights lawyer who struggles to find her own destiny. Their friendship – even with its ups and downs – sustains them for decades.
Directed by Allison Anders from a script by Bart Barker and Nikole Beckwith, the film is set for a 2017 debut.
In the film, Menzel will perform the iconic songs “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “The Glory of Love.” In addition, she will record several other songs specifically for the project.
The original film earned just over $57 million in domestic box office, on a $20 million budget.
Its theme song, “Wind Beneath My Wings” (as sung by Midler), hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1990.
Source: Shadow & Act
