New look for 'Hairspray' (OH NO!!! BAD NEWS)

[apdarcey]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:46am

i don't have a variety subscription, but this is not good:

"Hairspray" is getting a major makeover. New Line has pushed the start date of the movie musical from this fall to spring 2006, and co-directors Jerry Mitchell and Jack O'Brien have left the production. Studio has drawn up a short list of replacements, topped by "Chicago" helmer Rob Marshall, and shifted its projected "Hairspray" release from Christmas 2006 to summer 2007....

[Mattio98]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:52am

I don't know if it's such bad news. I personally think that Marshall nailed Chicago and that's done pretty well. We shall see.

[apdarcey]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:56am

well maybe marshall can do it? or his sister? but still i think jack and jerry had a pretty good thing going...

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:56am

You can't beat the original Hairspray.

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 2:59am

I really wich David Rockwell would design the movie sets too...to see an entire world by him would be amazing.

Akiva

[apdarcey]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 3:00am

are these two ending their stage collaborations? full monty, hairspray, drs... i know mitchell's going in for legally blonde by himself, so does that mean they're finished with these big comic hits together?

[thespian geek]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 3:08am

and co-directors Jerry Mitchell and Jack O'Brien have left the production.

Yeah, I'm kind of wondering what went on there, too.

[Blue J]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 3:10am

The full article is as following if anyone else can't read it:

"Hairspray" is getting a major makeover.
New Line has pushed the start date of the movie musical from this fall to spring 2006, and co-directors Jerry Mitchell and Jack O'Brien have left the production.

Studio has drawn up a short list of replacements, topped by "Chicago" helmer Rob Marshall, and shifted its projected "Hairspray" release from Christmas 2006 to summer 2007.

New Line confirmed the exits of Mitchell, who choreographed the stage musical, and O'Brien, who won a Tony for directing it. The duo had been set to co-direct since New Line announced its feature plans.

The six-month postponement was the reason for the exits, said the mini-major, creating a conflict with O'Brien play commitments, including a Tom Stoppard trilogy slated for Lincoln Center. Mitchell left with O'Brien.

New Line attributed the delay to concerns that it would have to shorten rehearsal time in order to wrap before winter in Toronto. Instead, "Hairspray" will shoot in spring. Second-unit work will be done in Baltimore, where John Waters set the original film.

Whatever the true motive, a "Hairspray" directed by Marshall or another established feature director is a more attractive prospect than it was with two first-timers. New Line and producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will first approach Marshall, who'll be available to talk after completing a cut of "Memoirs of a Geisha" he'll show Columbia Pictures brass on Friday.

Aside from directing the Oscar-winning "Chicago," Marshall developed the stage version of "Hairspray" as director and choreographer. When he stepped out to do "Chicago," O'Brien and Mitchell replaced him.

The directing change may alter casting and choreography. "Grease" star John Travolta had been approached to play Edna Turnblad, but no real offers have been made nor will deals be set until "Mrs. Doubtfire" scribe Leslie Dixon completes her rewrite and a director is hired. Decision on choreographer will be made by the director. If Marshall signs, he'll do the choreography himself, as he did on "Chicago."

Delay gives New Line production prexy Toby Emmerich a big picture for the studio's summer 2007 schedule. New Line developed a sudden hole when "Rush Hour 3" didn't come together as planned and Brett Ratner departed to direct "X-Men 3."

Emmerich is overseeing "Hairspray" with New Line execs Mark Kaufman and Michael Disco.

Posted: 6/22/05 at 3:15am

no no no... not john travolta. he's revolting.. hehe.

[Forester]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 3:21am

With Travolta recen track records, this might be bad news for Hairspray.

[Pinguin]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 3:36am

I'm erring on the side of TERRIFIED.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 3:39am

Here's my two cents......

After getting the idea from a fellow poster, I WOULD LOVE to see Glenn Close as Velma Von Tussel!!!!!! Who ever is the character, I hope they keep the "Baltimore Crabs" Song. I LOVE that song!!!!!!

[RYANWOODS]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 4:41am

If the show wants to be a success in the UK aswell, it will need to open here aswell....

No news has been updated on its "postponed" premiere of October 2005.

Come on Hairspray....reset your hold!!

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 7:56am

I'm sorry but losing Jerry Mitchell is a huge mistake.
And John Travolta as Edna makes me want to skip this film.
Edna needs to be cast with either Harvey or Vilanch.
Either one would be the right choice.
I think I will miss the film unless it ever goes on HBO AND by the sound of it, it will be on HBO within a month because it will bomb.
I love Hairspray, but Travolta? Disgusts me.
VILANCH as Wilbur and Harvey as Edna, that would be funny.

And I can totally see Vilanch as Wilbur, he could even wear a tee shirt that says "Mad Scientist, Beware!"
Updated On: 6/22/05 at 07:56 AM

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 8:23am

Actually, you know who would kick ass as Velma Von Tussle? Meryl Streep.

[Di2]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 9:56am

WHy are they making a movie?? We have already seen Hairspray and it's a John Waters classic.

[Craig]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 9:58am

My vote for Velma is still Goldie Hawn

Posted: 6/22/05 at 9:59am

Stage direction is not film direction. I don't think it's a bad sign that New Line is protecting it's investment by wanting an experienced film director. This is shaping up to be a huge, big budget mainstream movie. "By the Director of Chicago" would certainly sell more tickets.

I think Marshall did an excellent job with Chicago-- let's give him a chance before we dismiss him.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 10:10am

I second everything that JoeKev says. Besides a great deal of the stage hit HAIRSPRAY was developed by Rob Marshall. Neither O'Brien or Mtichell has film experience. Neither did Susan Stroman but she had Mel Brooks there to supervise.

If the film actually happens the one person I would like to see on board in some producing fashion is John Waters.

[InfiniteGirl]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 10:14am

Except for choreo'ing a few TV movies, Rob Marshall was a first-time director on Chicago.

If the studio has lost the creative team who made this hit due to lack of track record - that's sad.

If the team isn't moving fwd due to splitting up - even sadder.

And yes, if anyone in the world, John Waters should be there - b/c the stage play owes it's biggest creative debt from concept to design to EVERYTHING to that man - and he can really make a film!

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 10:43am

Why doesn't John Waters just direct it?

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 10:58am

I feel bad for Marissa, she ain't getting any younger and the longer this is delayed her chances of pulling off a teenager on film dwindle.

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 11:17am

Sue,
That was rude! Marissa will pass for a teen till she is 50.
She just has that young look.
Some people are lucky that way. I wish they would use the original cast of Hairspray for the film.
Kerry. Marissa. Matt. Harvey. For Wilbur an exception: Vilanch.
Mary BOND DAVIS.

Updated On: 6/22/05 at 11:17 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 11:20am

I think the powers that be have already gone on record as saying Marissa will not be playing Tracy (a search for an unknown was inferred) but of course that descision is ultimately up to whoever directs it.

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/22/05 at 11:22am

Well then they can shove the film. I will watch it LIVE ON BROADWAY.