Producer of 1989 ‘Steel Magnolias’ files lawsuit over Lifetime remake

The producer of the 1989 version of Steel Magnolias has filed a lawsuit against Lifetime for creating a remake of the film without proper credit or compensation to the original producers.

According to TMZ, Victoria L. White, the executive producer of the film starring Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, and Shirley McClain, is suing Sony Pictures, A & E Networks, and Lifetime Television over the Lifetime TV remake of the film starring Queen Latifah, Alfre Woodard, and Phylicia Rashad.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that upon learning that the film was made without her permission, was “shocked and dismayed” when she learned about the project.

The suit stated that White acquired the rights to the 1989 movie that she developed along with the late Ray Stark. The agreement stipulates that White is entitled to producing credits and compensation of $5,000 per episode plus a $10,000 for any TV movie or series of movies based off of the hit film. White cited the 1992 CBS television movie in which she was given producing credit.

The defendants claimed that her rights were limited to the 1992 remake, but White has filed an injunction to keep the film from airing until she receives the royalties to which she is entitled.

The Lifetime remake of Steel Magnolias is scheduled to air October 7.

UPDATE: The producer's injunction was tossed by a judge and the film will air as scheduled.

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