Lee Daniels & Oprah Remaking “Terms of Endearment”

Award-winning director Lee Daniels and Oprah Winfrey are planning to remake the 1983 film, “Terms of Endearment.” The original film told the story of a the relationship between mother and daughter and their struggles, portrayed by Shirley Maclaine and Debra Winger.

Reportedly, the new film will keep it’s setting in the 1980’s and will contain a “twist” including a storyline about black men bringing home HIV/AIDS to their female partners. Winfrey is set to play the role originally portrayed by MacLaine.

The Empire co-creator recently explained the specifics about the film’s remake, stating: “I want to make Flap [played by Jeff Daniels in the 1983 film] gay and infect the Debra Winger character. And then we explore the ’80s in a different way.”

On dealing with an unfortunate situation of homophobia and racism, he says, “I’ve got to tell stories that are important to me, and so many African-American women died.”

Daniels also announced that his Empire spin-off will be set in Las Vegas.