Sweet Home Alabama turns 24: Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas revisit memories

Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas are looking back at Sweet Home Alabama as the beloved romantic comedy turns 24. Witherspoon, who played Melanie Carmichael in the 2002 film, marked the anniversary by sharing a series of pictures from the movie and recalling the experience of making it.

Sharing pictures on social media, the actor celebrated the film, which remains one of the most recognisable titles from her career. Along with pictures from the sets and film, Witherspoon reflected on the cast and crew who made the project special for her.

“How is it possible that Sweet Home Alabama came out 24 years ago today?!” she wrote.

Witherspoon went on to remember working with actors including Patrick Dempsey, Josh Lucas, Candice Bergen, Melanie Lynskey and Jean Smart, as well as writer-director Andy Tennant.

She also recalled the connection the film had to Dolly Parton, whose song featured on the soundtrack.

“It also really touched my heart that Dolly Parton let us have a song on the soundtrack,” Witherspoon wrote.

The actor added that the film continues to have a special place in audiences' hearts. According to her, people have approached her over the years to tell her that it is their favourite film of hers.

She ended the post by asking fans to share their favourite scene from the romantic comedy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon)Josh Lucas recalls his Sweet Home Alabama auditionJosh Lucas, who played Jake Perry, Witherspoon's character's estranged husband in the film, also responded to her post.

Calling the film the one he is “always connected to”, Lucas said he remains grateful for the experience. He also revealed that someone recently told him they had watched the film more than 100 times.

“Have such deeply fond feelings for this film and the experience of making it,” Lucas wrote.

The actor also shared a separate post marking the anniversary and revealed an amusing detail about his audition.

“24 years ago today Sweet Home Alabama changed my life forever. Funny thing is I thought I was so bad in my audition I called my agent to apologise for me,” he wrote.

Lucas also sent his love to the film's cast and crew. What is Sweet Home Alabama about?

Released in 2002, Sweet Home Alabama is a romantic comedy directed by Andy Tennant. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as Melanie Carmichael, a successful fashion designer living in New York.

Melanie appears to have moved on from her Alabama roots and is engaged to Andrew Hennings, played by Patrick Dempsey. However, there is one complication before she can begin her new life.

She is still legally married to Jake, her childhood sweetheart, who lives in Alabama. The two have been separated for seven years, but Jake has not signed the divorce papers.

Melanie therefore returns to her hometown hoping to convince Jake to end their marriage. Her trip, however, forces her to confront the life and relationships she had left behind.

As she reconnects with her past, Melanie begins to question whether the glamorous future she has planned is really what she wants.

The film also featured Candice Bergen, Melanie Lynskey and Jean Smart in key roles.

24 years after its release, Sweet Home Alabama continues to be remembered by fans as a romantic comedy that blends love, family, nostalgia and the pull of one's roots.- Ends