It’s been 24 years since audiences first fell for Melanie Carmichael and Jake Perry in Sweet Home Alabama, and stars Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas haven’t forgotten a moment. They both took to Instagram to mark the film’s anniversary in separate posts, sending fans down memory lane.
Witherspoon kicked things off with a post that captured her disbelief at how quickly the time has passed.
“How is it possible that Sweet Home Alabama came out 24 years ago today?!” she wrote.
The Oscar winner called the production unforgettable and described getting the role as “such a huge moment” in her career. She gave a shout-out to “the most brilliant actors: Patrick Dempsey, Josh Lucas, Candice Bergen, Melanie Lynskey, Jean Smart… and our wonderfully inspired writer/director, Andy Tennant.“
Witherspoon also shared how much it meant to her that Dolly Parton allowed a song on the film’s soundtrack. “It really touched my heart,” she wrote.
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She then turned the conversation over to fans, noting that people have stopped her on the street for years to tell her it’s their favorite of her films and asking, “What’s your favorite scene?”
Lucas, who played Jake, Melanie’s Southern husband and first love, was one of the first to respond. “By far the movie I’m always connected to. Gratefully. It’s a special film,” he replied.
He added that just days earlier, someone had told him they’ve watched it more than 100 times. “Have such deeply fond feelings for this film and the experience of making it…” he added. He also shared his own tribute, and it came with a surprising behind-the-scenes story.
“I thought I was so bad in my audition I called my agent to apologize for me,” he wrote. “Sending so much love to this whole great cast & crew!”
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Evidently, the casting directors saw something in Lucas that made him perfect for the role. The film’s fans couldn’t agree more, with one person even noting that they were so taken with his character, they named their son after him.
For a movie that’s now more than two decades old, the enduring affection from both its stars and its audience says a lot. Whether it’s your 5th viewing or your 105th, it seems Sweet Home Alabama still feels like home.