Travolta and Latifah officially signed for HAIRSPRAY film

[twotrey]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 4:48am

Just received this from the wire:

March 3, 2006 4:00:00 AM


John Travolta and Queen Latifah to Star in New Line Cinema's Musical
Film Adaptation of "Hairspray"


LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/03/06 -- John Travolta and
Queen Latifah have signed on to star in New Line Cinema's upcoming
feature film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Hairspray," it
was announced today by Toby Emmerich, New Line's President of
Production.


Travolta will play Edna Turnblad and Queen Latifah will play
Motormouth Maybelle in the film, which is being directed by Adam
Shankman ("The Pacifier," "Bringing Down the House") and produced by
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, for their Zadan/Meron Productions, who
previously executive produced the Golden Globe and Academy
Award-winning Best Picture "Chicago." A nationwide casting search is
currently under way to find a newcomer to play the lead role of Tracy
Turnblad in the film, with production on "Hairspray" scheduled to
begin this Fall for a potential Summer 2007 release.


"From cult classic film to hit Broadway musical to major motion
picture, 'Hairspray' is a true New Line franchise," commented Bob
Shaye and Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs. "John and
Queen Latifah will bring new sensibilities to the characters of Edna
Turnblad and Motormouth Maybelle, and introduce this innovative
musical comedy to new audiences."


Zadan and Meron said: "It's long been a desire of ours to work with
John Travolta and to have the opportunity to produce his return to
movie musicals after three decades... it's a dream come true. And
having worked so successfully with Queen Latifah on 'Chicago,' we
were looking for the perfect vehicle to re-team... 'Hairspray'
presented us with a wonderful opportunity to collaborate once again
with our multi-talented friend."


"Hairspray" is originally based on the 1988 John Waters comedy about
star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show. The new
version of the film will be based on New Line's hit Broadway
adaptation of the film, which debuted in 2002, and went on to win
eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and
Best Director.


Marc Shaiman ("Sleepless in Seattle") and Scott Wittman will
contribute new songs to their existing Tony Award winning score.
Shaiman will also serve as the film's music supervisor and will
compose the music score for the film as well as produce its songs.
Wittman and Shaiman will also serve as executive producers on the
film. The new screenplay for "Hairspray" is written by Leslie Dixon
("Freaky Friday," "Outrageous Fortune").


Emmerich is overseeing the project along with New Line's Executive VP
of Production Mark Kaufman, and Creative Executives Michael Disco and
Daryl Freimark.


Travolta burst into the dance musical world thirty years ago with
"Saturday Night Fever" and packed a one-two punch the following year
with the release of "Grease," the most successful movie musical of
all time. Travolta was nominated for Oscars for "Fever" and "Pulp
Fiction." He is represented by the William Morris Agency and
attorneys Mike Ossi and Howard Butler.


"Hairspray" reunites Latifah with producers Zadan and Meron (she
earned an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination for her work in
"Chicago") and director Shankman (she starred in his blockbuster
"Bringing Down The House"). Latifah is also represented by the
William Morris Agency.

[Luckydave14]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 4:59am

Latifah will be perfect for Maybelle but I wish Harvey Fierstein would be in the film.

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 5:37am

I really dont like that they are remaking this movie. First of all the original was PERFECT and is really a classic. Also the original really isnt that old. I think movie musicals can be good but just because a show is good on stage doesnt mean that it should instantly be turned into a film. Unless there is a radically new idea or the show has some new significance in todays world I think that it shouldnt be attempted. Too many movies are being made without hardly any changes to the show and turn out like crap, look at Rent and The Producers.

[To The Stage!]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 6:48am

I agree, I love the original and it's definitly a classic.

I would love to see this movie pulled off well though.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 6:55am

Would rather see Harvey Fierstein in this...

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 7:25am

Why didn't they go for Dame Edna? Come on!

[Smaxie]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 7:35am

The original film won't disappear from existence because they are making a movie version of the musical.

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 7:42am

No but they wont be able to live up to the original either. Im not saying that this movie couldnt be excellent, Im sure it could. I just dont think it is neccisary, not now anyway.

What are you infering about Edna?

[Smaxie]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 7:50am

"No but they wont be able to live up to the original either."

Says who? Hairspray is a fun movie, but it's not exactly Citizen Kane. It's not even The Magnificent Ambersons.

The musical of Hairspray is significantly different enough from its film source that it's really much more of its own entity. And without a full cast or even a single frame of film shot yet, it's too early to judge it - unless we're now reviewing films and plays based on their press releases.

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 7:57am

Hairspray is actually a cult classic film and has a very strong fallowing. Obviously it is not Citizen Cane but it is still regarded highly by many, many people. Divine gave a performance that was iconic as Edna Turnblad. Noone, especially Travolta, will be able to match him.

Once again, I understand that it is it's own show but like Rent and The Producers, they are rushing to create it into a film too fast and there is really no need at this point. Simple as that...

[Smaxie]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 8:03am

Who made you the arbiter of what the world does and doesn't need on the screen?

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 8:06am

dirty rotten guy, I see what you're saying. But in the business, it's not about if there is a need. It's about making money, unfortunately. Let's just hope it's done right. Shaiman and Wittman are smart guys, they know their stuff, and I can't see them letting this project go wrong.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 8:07am

"Who made you the arbiter of what the world does and doesn't need on the screen?"

smaxie, he's just offering his opinion on a message board. Chill.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 8:13am

Personally, I don't care whether they make a film of Hairspray or not. But I wouldn't come to a message board railing about how the film of the musical shouldn't be made. Talk about arrogance.

[Feathah]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 8:53am

I think this is one musical that is ready-made for a film adaptation. I think it'll be pretty seemless. Personally I think they are on the right track with the casting of John Travolta and Queen Latifah. They need star power to get the box office $$ they need and these two can more than pull it off. Now who's gonna play Tracy?? :o)

[jasobres]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 8:58am

Now, I'm definitely not seeing this. They are making a big fat hairy mistake.

[Gpvegas]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:03am

NO Harvey = sad

I wish Harvey was in this, his Edna is amazing!

[pab]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:03am

"Latifah will be perfect for Maybelle"

I totally disagree. Too young and not the right kind of singing voice.

[Feathah]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:03am

How can you know it's a mistake? They haven't even fully cast the film yet. If it's Travolta, don't forget he has quite a bit of experience singing and dancing. And he's definitely in touch with him feminine side - ever see him cry on Oprah? (Hee hee - kidding.)

[jasobres]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:06am

But can he impersonate a woman?

[timote316]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:12am

I'm excited for Queen Latifah, and mixed on John Travolta. It'll certainly be a different take on the role as Harvey. We shall see.

[Blanche]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:25am

I love Travolta, but I'd so much rather see Harvey. I think he deserves to immortalize his Edna on film.

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:41am

Latifah will be fantastic (as she always is). Travolta? Well, I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt for now. But it could easily go from campy to crappy if he doesn't play it just right.

[Corine2]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:47am

EVERYONE WOULD RATHER SEE HARVEY IN THIS ROLE.
Harvey will sell more tickets. THIS IS A VERY BIG MISTAKE!

[Craig]

Posted: 3/3/06 at 9:49am

Hairspray (the musical) is a completely different entity than its original counterpart. The Producers was different but I would say 60-70 "the same". It's apples and oranges to compare.