John Travolta and Queen Latifah to Star in "Hairspray"

John Travolta and Queen Latifah have signed on to star in New Line Cinema's upcoming feature film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Hairspray. Travolta will play Edna Turnblad and Queen Latifah will play Motormouth Maybelle in the film. A nationwide casting search is currently under way to find a newcomer to play the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in the film, with production on Hairspray scheduled to begin this Fall for a potential Summer 2007 release. "From cult classic film to hit Broadway musical to major motion picture, Hairspray is a true New Line franchise," commented Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs. "John and Queen Latifah will bring new sensibilities to the characters of Edna Turnblad and Motormouth Maybelle, and introduce this innovative musical comedy to new audiences."

Zadan and Meron said: "It's long been a desire of ours to work with John Travolta and to have the opportunity to produce his return to movie musicals after three decades...it's a dream come true. And having worked so successfully with Queen Latifah on Chicago, we were looking for the perfect vehicle to re-team...Hairspray presented us with a wonderful opportunity to collaborate once again with our multi-talented friend."

Hairspray is originally based on the 1988 John Waters comedy about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show.