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Adam Shankman Divulges More New Hairspray 2 Details

by Alex Billington
January 5, 2009
Source: MTV

Believe it or not, I actually really enjoyed the Hairspray movie from last year, which is why I'm mildly excited for the sequel, despite it being completely unnecessary. Ever since the news first hit about the sequel, some odd stories have been popping up about drug-addled characters and more shenanigans. It turns out that this all comes from a script treatment that John Waters had written himself. So that's where all the Zac Efron LCD rumors came from! Well, MTV spoke with director Adam Shankman and got some updates on what they're going to keep and what they're going to ditch for the sequel.

"[The treatment] is amazing, but it's crazy. There are things in there that I was like 'Can we do that?' It's real John Waters-y stuff, and it was more like a sequel to his movie than to our movie. Which I love, because then that becomes re-interpreted," Shankman starts out saying. So what parts are being kept and what wacky John Waters ideas are being cut? Well, the part where Zac Efron takes acid won't be kept. "That's the kind of stuff where you're like: 'Yeah, I don't know if that's going to work.'" On the flip side though, they will keep John Travolta's weight-loss storyline. "It has Edna getting hooked on diet pills," And the working title for the sequel straight from the treatment? Hairspray 2: White Lipstick.

As for the ensemble cast, most of them are expected to return, although nothing has been confirmed just yet. Shankman did say that Michelle Pfeiffer (as Velma Von Tussle) won't be returning, citing a "change in villains." As for the rumors about John Travolta not returning as Edna Turnblad, Shankman debunks them: "That's not what he said. He's like, 'No, just keep going. And if it's funny, I'll do it.'" Another plot aspect that Shankman confirms is that the sequel will use the Vietnam War as a backdrop, although it won't be Zac Efron's character who is drafted. Maybe it's Elijah Kelley's character Seaweed instead?

"[Waters' treatment is full of] ideas that we're just going to pick and choose from, and we'll see what happens with it," Shankman says to hold us over. New Line is still pushing for Hairspray 2 to be ready by July of 2010. Stay tuned for more updates. Who else is looking forward to the sequel?

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Reader Feedback - 18 Comments

Too many sequels and remakes. ;_;

ramez on Jan 5, 2009

Dunno if anyone knows. Travolta's son just passed away. Not sure how this will affect filming.

Fuelbot on Jan 5, 2009

I think that the only people who don't know by now about the tragedy his son's passing must live under a rock, or on a deserted island. While we certainly feel for the Travoltas and what they must be going through, I doubt that it will affect the filming of a movie that isn't even written yet. I'd like to see a sequel, and look forward to it considering that it's at least partially based on material from John Waters and not just a Hollywood writer trying to work with characters and continue a story that was started by someone else.

Jedi on Jan 5, 2009

They should've cast Carly Jibson, (from the Broadway show) in the movie. She's FIERCE.

b on Jan 5, 2009

Was expecting the worst, but since Waters and Shankman and the original cast will most likely be back, sounds pretty decent.

Ryan on Jan 5, 2009

Jesus Joesph and Mary.....this is truly a sign that the END OF THE WORLD IS NEAR!!!!!!

D-9 on Jan 5, 2009

i Loved the remake, more the original..so Im curious about how the sequel would turn out

Carlemile on Jan 5, 2009

not sure of the story line but i loved hairspray... i am looking forward to this movie... but i was hoping Michelle Pfeiffer would return... she is beautiful! cold and dangerous but gorgeous nonetheless... looking forward to queen latifah james marsden and zac effron returning

viral on Jan 5, 2009

Well, maybe John Travolta and Queen Latifah will have even a lesser part in this film...and the weight(no pun intended) of the film would fall on Zac Efron and Nikki Blonsky to carry it through. I think they could do it...I'd rather see Zac Efron Portray the character "Birdy" in Adam Shankmans' other film, Bye Bye Birdy...

athena on Jan 6, 2009

I LOVED Hairspray!!! So, if the same people are returning for their roles and if the same people are making the sequel, then I am excited for it. Though not *that* excited, because, yeah, there really isn't a need for a sequel. Hope it's as good as the first one!!

Susana on Jan 6, 2009

THE END IS NEAR!

peloquinfan on Jan 6, 2009

Anyone who liked the first one deserves a sequel.

avoidz on Jan 7, 2009

Anyone who liked the first one deserves a brain scan.

scrooge on Jan 7, 2009

They can't make a sequel and not get velma back. Everyone said it 'Michelle stole every scence she was in' plus she and john made that film so they better both come back.

Meghan on Mar 29, 2009

Yeah, I agree...they need all the characters back...she's one of the main ones...without her, it will be a Hollywood sequel DON'T!!

athena on Mar 29, 2009

At least all the MAIN CHARACTERS I meant.

athena on Mar 29, 2009

Im excited about the sequal have been for months, i want them all back but Zac (his better looking as link lol) and James the most. Wont be the same without Michelle she is soo good at what she does. and no one can play a better Edna the John

Christine on Apr 17, 2009

WTH!!! I just found out today there was going to be a Hairspray 2!!! I think John Travolta should be in it, but then again with his son passing away you can't really blame him. I'm just really excited for HS 2, hope it's as good as the first one!

Alisha on Jan 14, 2010

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