Walken to replace Broadbent in Hairspray

Legendary dancer and cult actor Christopher Walken is to replace Jim Broadbent in Hairspray, according to reports.

Industry paper Variety reported that the academy award winning Jim Broadbent, known for his roles in Iris, Bridget Jones' Diary and Moulin Rouge, has been dropped from the production in favour of Walken.

No reason has been given for Walken taking over from Broadbent in the role of Wilbur Turnbald - the father of main character Tracy.

"Chris was the person Scott and I wanted in the first place, and this is a happy ending to this particular saga," said director Adam Shankman.

"It seems like this part allows him to coalesce all his skills into one role. I am constantly pessimistic, but I look at this cast and feel like I've fallen into an old MGM musical."

Other cast members will include John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, James Marsden.

The new film version of Hairspray is based on the original 1988 comedy, and its 2002 Broadway musical remake. The show was nominated for several Tony awards in 2003, winning eight.

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