From the WTF File: Travolta to Star in Hairspray Movie

http://www.fox6.com/entertainment/story.aspx?content_id=79BD45D0-299B-4BEA-9A13-3FCD7F705C4A

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.' 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.

"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.

I love Motor Mouth and Latifah will be great in that role.

I think Travolta will is an interesting choice. But I would have prefered Harvey in the role.

:shrug: I don't consider her very matronly. :shrug:

Travolta is a one-note actor and the character is, in my opinion, very nuanced. There's a fine line between a man (gay/straight/whatever) having fun as a character and making fun of the character. Travolta would be too clownish and "look at me, I'm really a man in a dress" to be believable.

Divine, and the assorted cast of crazies.

Can we just make the remakes STOP? On Broadway and in the movies.

First "Psycho," now this? Is nothing sacred?!

Gee whiz.

Why not Pink Flamingos with Travolta? :evilgrin:

Yuck! I wouldn't even watch it without Travolta.

However, I fully endorse the filming of that remake. As long as it's authentic. :puke:

Travolta must be, um, curious, if he wants to do a movie like Hairspray... :popcorn:

Sounds like in the hunt for an oscar, if he pulls it off.

:bounce: I can't wait!

And good for Travolta! His choices lately have been a little stale.