Crystal and Franklin in Hairspray Film?

Written by Maya Cantu

Variety has reported the possible casting of Billy Crystal and Aretha Franklin in the upcoming Hairspray film. Crystal is in talks to play Wilbur Turnblad, the sweet-natured inventor originated on Broadway by Dick Latessa (who won a Tony). Franklin is in consideration to play the big, blonde and beautiful Motormouth Maybelle; Mary Bond Davis originated this role.

Rumors have also circulated that the sequined mantle first worn by Harvey Fierstein will be passed on to none other than John Travolta. With no confirmation, the role in question is that of hefty hausfrau Edna Turnblad in the film.

While unable to officially comment at this time, BroadwayWorld.com's sources on the subject did note that they were wondering "why Variety writes such inaccurate information?" and that they were "longing for the days of fact checking by major media."

Billy Crystal made his Broadway debut this year in his hit one-man show, 700 Sundays. He is most famous for his TV and film work as a comedian. He was a cast member of Saturday Night Live from 1984-1985, and has starred in such films as The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally and Analyze This. In addition, he has hosted the Academy Awards on 8 separate ocassions.

Franklin has no New York theatre experience, but has been dubbed the Queen of Soul; her work as a recording artist that has spanned almost half a century and she is the recipient of 15 Grammy Awards.

John Travolta, of course, is the movie superstar known for his work in such films as Saturday Night Fever, Grease and Pulp Fiction. He started off his career as a musical theatre performer (he was a replacement for Doody in Grease's original Broadway run), and he turned down the role of Billy Flynn in the smash film version of Chicago.

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 Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Best Book of a Musical for Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Best Direction of a Musical for Jack O'Brien, Best Actor in a Musical for Harvey Fierstein and Best Actress in a Musical for Marissa Jaret Winokur.

Casting choices for the film will not be confirmed until the completion of screenwriter Leslie Dixon's script; she is adapting from O'Donnell's and Meehan's book.

The Hairspray film will be produced by New Line Cinema and is tentatively scheduled to begin shooting this September.