In the category of sequels nobody saw coming, Variety reports that New Line Cinema has announced plans for a second Hairspray film to be released in July 2010. Apparently the studio has struck a deal with original creator John Waters to write an original story treatment and Adam Shankmen will again take on directing duties, though none of the original cast has been signed to return yet.
I'm as big a fan of the musical Hairspray as you're likely to find, but c'mon, really? Do we actually need a sequel to the film adaptation of a stage musical that was itself an adaptation of a film? When will the madness end people? I do understand the thought process: Hairspray made buckets of money and if Disney can create a musical franchise, why can't New Line do the same? But was anyone clamoring for the continued musical adventures of the Turnblad family? On the plus side, song-writers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman have agreed to pen some new songs, so there will be at least some incentive to pick up the soundtrack release -- those guys write catchy tunes!
Source:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117989390.html?categoryid=13&cs=1
October 23, 2007, 04:07:49 PM
