‘Beaches’ Remake: Idina Menzel To Take On Bette Midler’s Role In Lifetime Movie

Garry Marshall’s 1988 classic “Beaches” is getting a small screen remake, courtesy of Lifetime, with Idina Menzel signing on to take over Bette Midler’s role of CC, an aspiring singer who develops a lasting friendship with Hillary, a rich debutante that goes on to become a successful lawyer.

The Tony winner will also record new versions of the iconic songs “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “The Glory of Love,” as well as additional ones for the remake. At this time the role of Hillary, portrayed by Barbara Hershey in the original, has yet to be cast.

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In the original movie, CC and Hillary connect at the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and in the new version they will meet at the Venice boardwalk in Los Angeles. Production is set to begin August 15 in Vancouver. Allison Anders will direct from a script from Bart Barker and Nikole Beckwith. Denise Di Novi and Alison Greenspan will executive produce.

Upon its release, “Beaches” grossed $57 million domestically and was nominated for one Academy Award in the Best Art Direction-Set Decoration category. Its song, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” also won Record and Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.

The “Beaches” remake will premiere on Lifetime in 2017.

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