Taraji P. Henson talks Atlanta filmed 'What Men Wants' before it hits theaters Feb. 8

ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - The highly anticipated new film "What Men Want" starring Taraji P. Henson, Tracy Morgan, and produced by Will Packer debuts in theaters nationwide this Friday. 

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In the remake of Mel Gibson's classic "What Women Want," Taraji P. Henson stars as Ali Davis, as a hardworking and under appreciated Atlanta sports agent working at a firm that only has men. But, Ali experiences a freak accident that gives her the advantage of hearing exactly what any man is thinking.

Not only was the film shot in Atlanta, but it was also set in Atlanta, and featured landmarks such as The Woodruff Arts Center and what is now known as State Farm Arena. 

During her time filming in Atlanta, we asked Taraji what was her go-to restaurant, "Well you know I'm vegan now...Slutty Vegan!"

Everyone wanted to know what men truly wanted, but Taraji also took the time to share her insights on what a successful woman like her character Ali wants, "What is oftentimes missing is the emotional support."

Taraji also spoke about the importance of portraying men in a positive light in the film,

"When I took this film on, I was very adamant [and I think we all were] about not making it a male-bashing film because we want men to come. And if you want them to get the lesson, you've got to give it to them with honey. We can't be bitter, no one is going to get a lesson like that. So I think the producers, myself, the director Adam Shankmen we were very specific about nurturing the men in this film. I think we did a great job. Look at how we handled the single fathers, that's something you don't see in cinema very often."

The romantic comedy also stars, Erykah Badu as Sister, Aldis Hodge as Will and Auston Jon Moore as Ben. Along with guest appearances from Shaquille O'Neal, Mark Cuban, Atlanta Hawks player John Collins, Atlanta Falcons player Devonta Freeman, and former WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie.

Film producer Will Packer spoke about why it was important to shoot the film in Atlanta, "This is home, I shoot in Atlanta every chance I get, I really do. Atlanta for me, I love the culture, I love that it's so diverse, I love that it has the energy that it has. So as a producer, I love the backdrops and I love the people and I love the community."

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The Oscar-nominated actress, Taraji P. Henson made her debut on the small screen in the late '90s with appearances in the sitcoms "Sister, Sister" and "The Parent 'Hood". She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 28. 

Several Atlanta stars were on hand at the film's Atlanta premiere including Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who was presented with a birthday cake from Will Packer and Taraji P. Henson. 

The day following the premiere, Will Packer and Taraji P. Henson stopped by State Farm Arena for the Hawks vs. Celtics game and gave fans an exclusive sneak peak at the upcoming film. 

Find out what men want when Paramount Pictures' What Men Want opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, February 8.