Holy crap there are so many great options on here! I would be happy with so many of these combinations. I'm just going to list who I would be happy with in every role:
Tracy- Ryan Redmond, some other newcomer
Edna- Harvey Fierstein, Nathan Lane, Eric Stonestreet
Link- Nick Jonas, Derek Klena, Darren Criss, newcomer
Wilbur- Martin Short, Billy Crystal, Matthew Broderick, Tony Danza
Amber- Annaleigh Ashford, Taylor Louderman, newcomer
Please no Latifah- her vocals were good in the film, but her Live version of 'I Know Where I've Been' the times she's performed it were just okay. I would Love Darlene Love or Jenifer Lewis to play the part- Charlotte Crossley would be great too. Many Many women could play this role- but I want someone that has that real gospel soul big voice the character needs. Patti LaBelle would have tore it up back in the day, even during the show's Broadway Run. But her acting leaves alot to be desired. LOL
For Velma, I can really see Christine Ebersole as others have said, along with Cheno. I have always wanted to see Vanessa Williams play Velma, especially after seeing her in Ugly Betty, Which was a very Velma like. I know she may be African American, but with the right makeup she can pass for white. I know it would never happen- but I bet she would be great in the role. It's my biggest dream to have Linda Hart play the role again- if only to finally have a professional recording of 'Velma's Revenge' with Linda since it didn't make the OBC cast recording and her version was brilliant!
The Idea of Patti Lupone as Velma is very interesting and I can actually see it working- Giving her 'Velma's Revenge' the same madness as 'Rose's Turn'. LOL
If they don't cast actual fat people I'll boycott.
I know the deal isn't closed yet, but based on when we got the other casting announcements for the other Live! musicals, when do you suppose we'll get our first bit of casting information for this?
They/them.
"Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."
Can Monique sing? She could be a great Motormouth. Not to mention saying, "Academy Award Winner Monique as Motormouth Maybelle" doesn't hurt the marketing team.
Not diving deeply into this one yet, but I will absolutely say there is not a chance if Charlotte Crossley being allowed anywhere near a first-class staging if Hairspray ever again, let alone a filmed version.
Not sure if it was mentioned but I think James Corden would be a fabulous Edna, but I'm sure it would be next to impossible with his CBS late night show.
I think Darren Criss would be a great Link, but Link casting will depend so much on Tracy. If their Tracy is 18-22, then none of Criss, Jeremy Jordan or Jonathan Groff would probably work. (That would age Annaleigh out of casting for Penny as well.) IMO, Ansel doesn't have the charisma for the role although he does sing very well. Nick Jonas would be OK. Grant Gustin is such a great idea, but seems very unlikely given his TV schedule? Benati as Velma? YES. As others have said, there are a lot of really great people around who could play these roles. This show could be a ton of fun!