Hairspray Film Pushed to Spring 2006 Filming, Summer 2007 Release

By: Jun. 22, 2005
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Variety reports this morning that the anticipated film of Hairspray has been pushed from its original timetable of filming this fall, for a Christmas 2006 release to instead film in the spring of 2006 for a summer 2007 telease. As a result of the six-month delay, scheduling conflicts have reportedly resulted in Jerry Mitchell and Jack O'Brien departing the film.

New Line is said to have delayed the film to allow for additional rehearsal time before filming is to begin in Toronto and in Baltimore. The studio is said to be searching for replacements as well, with Rob Marshall at the top of the list.

As of now, there's no word on casting, with a recent wave of rumors in March reporting that Billy Crystal, Aretha Franklin and John Travolta were all possibilities for lead roles. 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.

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.

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