Travolta to reprise Divine's role as Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray" remake

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

Playing the role of an overweight middle-aged woman is a long way from the ultra-macho Danny Zuko of Grease. But John Travolta is to become a cross-dresser in a new screen version of the cult classic Hairspray.

The 52-year-old will don a dress and play frumpy Edna Turnblad, movie studio bosses have revealed.

The part was originally played by transvestite actress Divine in the 1988 film, directed by king of camp John Waters.

But Travola, who has publicly battled with his weight, reportedly told friends he was desperate for the role. An insider said: 'He can't wait to get started.' The musical tells the story of overweight teen Tracy Turnblad, who competes for a place in a televised dancing competition.



http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/films/articles/21918918?source=Metro

[MadHound]

1. I'd rather Travolta reprise Divine's role in Pink Flamingos

Then I'd pay good money to watch John Travolta eat dog shit:evilgrin:

Seriously though, why is there incessant need for Hollywood to remake all of these classic and semi-classic movies? Is it that hard to come up with original material?

[mikeytherat]

4. Given that they have remade The Shaggy Dog with TIM ALLEN,

I think this is a CLEAR indication that Hollywood is out of ideas.

And, yeah, I'd pay to see Vinnie Barbarino reprising Divine's "Pink Flamingo" role!

mikey_the_rat

[CBGLuthier]

2. I read that 4 days ago and it still makes no sense to me

Maybe by the time the film opens I will be able to wrap my brain around that concept.

[terrya]

3. Well, good for him

And as much as I love the original, I'll see this one. :-)

[blondeatlast]

5. "Be Cool." Somehow, that's the cleverest thing I can come up with.

BTW, Edna was NOT frumpy, just lower class.

She had real style, albeit on a severe budget.

[ucmike]

6. who is the audience for this movie?

i know that "hairspray" is a cult classic but "cult classic" usually means that a small group of people love it and no one else is watching it. i can't stand it. i find all of john waters movies unwatchable, but i like him in interviews and such

.

and john travolta hasn't been in anything good since Pulp Fiction, he's hardly drawing in crowds these days.

[Missy Vixen]

7. Uh, excuse me, Mr. Travolta

>But John Travolta is to become a cross-dresser in a new screen version of the cult classic Hairspray.<

We were lucky enough to see the Broadway production of "Hairspray" in Seattle before it went to New York, and I stress the word "lucky". Harvey Fierstein played Edna Turnblatt. He was hysterically funny in the role. (Seattle audiences are typically a bit restrained. I'm thinking it might be the huge Scandinavian population here. By the last song of the show, EVERYONE in the audience was up and dancing. We had a great time.)

Travolta isn't worthy to carry Harvey Fierstein's wig case to the theater, let alone play this role. What are the producers of the "remake" thinking? There is nobody that can play that role like Mr. Fierstein.

Julie

[maveric]

8. Travolta looks like he'll transform into a werewolf ala "The Howling"...

at any time.
When he presented an Oscar the other night, thats the first thing that came to my mind when I saw his new haircut/look.

[KamaAina]

9. Inevitable reality series upcoming: "Fat Actor".

"Publicly battled with his weight"? Check. Scientologist? Check. Fifteen minutes of fame expired? Check. Tune in to Showtime this fall...

[6000eliot]

10. She better be careful

People might remember she was gay before Scientology got her a beard.

[no name no slogan]

11. Hollywood is officially out of ideas

WHY THE FUCK ARE THEY REMAKING HAIRSPRAY? Wasn't the Broadway adaptation enough?

[xchrom]

12. hysterical!

what a hoot!

[bertha katzenengel]

13. How about someone who's already fat? John Pinette played

the Mom in the touring company.



John Travolta. :eyes: