Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts (legacy presence), Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis (legacy)
The magnolias rise once more — blooming with the same quiet strength, unwavering humor, and deep-rooted resilience that made Chinquapin Parish feel like home to generations of moviegoers. Steel Magnolias: Roots of Grace (2026) returns to the heart of Louisiana, where time has softened the edges of life but has not dimmed the fierce spirit of the women who shaped a community.
A new arrival, an old heartbeat
Years after the original events, Truvy’s beloved beauty salon remains a sanctuary — a place where secrets are shared, sorrows are soothed, and laughter cuts through even the darkest days. But when a talented young beautician moves to town seeking a fresh start, she unintentionally uncovers pieces of the past long tucked away. Her presence stirs memories of joy and grief, reminding each woman of the legacies they carry and the healing they’re still searching for.
Life’s storms, life’s sweetness
M’Lynn (Sally Field) finds herself balancing the quiet ache of what she’s lost with the pride of what she’s built. Truvy (Dolly Parton), ever the sunshine in a human form, faces her own crossroads as family expectations and business pressures collide. Ouiser (Shirley MacLaine), feistier and funnier than ever, learns that even the toughest magnolia must occasionally bend. Annelle (Daryl Hannah) discovers an unexpected calling, while Clairee’s presence (Olympia Dukakis, in legacy form) is felt in every witty quip and act of generosity passed down to the younger women.
And through it all, Shelby’s light — carried through heartfelt tributes and emotional echoes — continues to guide the women toward compassion, courage, and connection. Julia Roberts’ legacy presence lingers like a warm memory, anchoring the sequel with emotional depth.
A new generation, a familiar strength
As younger women step into their own battles — marriage, motherhood, heartbreak, reinvention — they lean on the wisdom of those who came before them. The past becomes a map, reminding them that resilience isn’t born in grand gestures, but in everyday acts of love, loyalty, and the courage to hope again.
A celebration of Southern sisterhood
Filled with tender humor, fiery personality clashes, and the kind of hard-won lessons only life can teach, Roots of Grace honors the spirit of the original while expanding it for a new era. The film is a warm embrace of community, womanhood, and the strength found in friendships that endure every season — from the fiercest storms to the gentlest spring blooms.
Because in Chinquapin Parish, the magnolias may age…
but their roots only grow deeper.