John Travolta to play housewife in Hairspray remake

John Travolta (Pulp Fiction, Grease) and Queen Latifah (Beauty Shop, Bringing Down The House) have been confirmed to star in New Line Cinema's adaptation of hit musical comedy Hairspray.

Travolta will drag up to play Edna Turnblad, the middle-aged housewife played by Divine in the original 1988 John Waters film.

Queen Latifah is to play dance show host Motormouth Maybelle in the film, which is expected to go into production in the autumn, for potential release in summer 2007.

A casting search is currently underway for the lead role of Tracy Turnblad, played by talk show host Ricki Lake in the 1988 film, a plump teenager who realises her dream of stardom on a TV dance show.

Hairspray is to be directed by Adam Shankman (Cheaper By The Dozen 2, Bringing Down The House) and produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Chicago).

New Line co-chairmen and co-CEOs Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne commented,
"From cult classic film to hit broadway musical to major motion picture, Hairspray is a true New Line franchise.

"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."

Hairspray was adapted by New Line into a broadway musical which debuted in 2002 and went on to win eight Tony awards including Best Musical and Best Director.

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