Adam Shankman Signs On to Hairspray Film as Director

By: Sep. 29, 2005
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The upcoming film version of Hairspray, which had been floating in a director-less limbo, now has a name attached: that of Adam Shankman.

Shankman will start work on the film immediately, according to Variety. He will join forces with screenwriter Leslie Dixon, composer Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott Wittman on the project, which will released by New Line Cinema. A summer 2007 release is anticipated, with filming to begin in Baltimore in early 2006.

"I have worked with Marc and Scott on a variety of projects over 15 years, and the idea we get to work on the mother of all their projects, I consider it a great leap of faith in me," said Shankman, who was chosen by producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron over 15 other would-be directors. "It is rare to find a director who can speak the language of musicals. He lives and breathes this language," stated Meron. The film was originally to have been helmed and choreographed by its Tony Award-winning team of Jack O'Brien and Jerry Mitchell, but both withdrew from the project. Rob Marshall, who directed the film version of Chicago, was also offered the film but declined.

Shankman's biggest hit to date has been Bringing Down the House, the 2003 comedy that paired up Queen Latifah and Steve Martin. "The involvement of Shankman... makes Latifah an instant front-runner for the role of Motormouth Maybelle," states Variety. Producers are currently in the process of casting the film, with John Travolta a strong candidate for the role of hefty hausfrau Edna Turnblad.

Shankman, a former dancer who has extensive screen credits as a choreographer, has directed The Pacifier, A Walk to Remember and The Wedding Planner, as well as episodes of the TV hit "Monk." His latest, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, is currently in the post-production stage.

Hairspray tells of overweight teenager Tracy Turnblad's ascent into love, happiness and stardom on a 60's dance show, which she helps to racially integrate. The Broadway show was itself based on John Waters' 1988 film. It opened in August of 2002 and garnered 8 Tonys, including Best Musical, Best Original Score for Shaiman and Wittman, Best Book of a Musical for Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Best Direction of a Musical for O'Brien, Best Actor in a Musical for Harvey Fierstein and Best Actress in a Musical for Marissa Jaret Winokur.

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