The iconic movie ‘Beaches’ is set to be remade as a TV movie. Broadway star Idina Menzel has been cast in the role of C.C. Bloom.

Mendzel, who is famous for being the original Elphaba in the Broadway production of ‘Wicked’, as well as being the voice of Elsa in ‘Frozen’, and for having her name badly mispronounced by John Travolta, is locked in for the part first made famous by Better Midler.

‘Beaches’ tells the story of the life long friendship being singer C.C. Bloom, originally played by Midler, and lawyer Hillary, originally played by Barbara Hershey.  There’s no word yet on who’ll be taking on Hershey’s role in the new version.

The film was directed by Garry Marshall. The veteran Hollywood Director passed away just a week ago. Alongside creating ‘Beaches’, he was also the director of ‘Pretty Woman’, ‘The Runaway Bride’ and TV series ‘The Odd Couple’ and ‘Happy Days’.

The Wind Beneath My Wings

The 1988 movie featured the tune ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ which became one of Midler’s biggest hits.

The song was around for a long time before it became a hit for Midler though. It was originally recorded by Roger Whitaker in 1982. Shortly after Australian singer Coleen Hewitt scored a hit with the song. Lou Rawls, Sheena Easton, Gladys Knight and country singer Gary Morris also recorded the tune before Midler.

It has become Midler’s definitive tune though, it went on to win both song of the year and record of the year at the Grammy Awards in 1990.

Idina Menzel has previously revealed that she sang ‘The Wind Beneath My Wings’ for her ‘Frozen ‘ audition.

Check out Bette Midler singing the song at the Royal Variety Performance.

A bit of trivia 

C.C. Blooms is also the name of one of Edinburgh’s best known gay bars.