New Line has finally found an Edna Turnblad for its Hairspray movie musical adaptation. And, in keeping with the rumours, John Travolta will be wearing the downtrodden housewife’s dress.
Queen Latifah is now also officially on board to play Motormouth Maybelle, a civil rights activist and dance show host. Now all they have to do is find someone to play the lead – tubby teen Tracey Turnblad, originally played by Ricki Lake.
The movie – which is based on the musical originally drawn from John Waters’ 1988 film – will go into production in September, with Adam Shankman calling the shots.