John Travolta is close to starring as Edna Turnblad in the updated movie version of the Broadway hit, Hairspray, according to Variety. Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell will make their feature directing debuts.
Leslie Dixon (Mrs. Doubtfire) has also come on board to rewrite the screenplay by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, who wrote the book for the musical.
The musical, which was based on a 1988 movie, centers on “Tracy Turnblad as she graduates from outsider to celebrity trendsetter. Along the way, she dances on ‘The Corny Collins Show,’ wins the heart of hunk Link Larkin and barrels down barriers for racial integration on Baltimore TV.”
Credit: Cinecon.com
