What a Drag: John Travolta Snubs Hairspray Movie Sequel

Hollywood big-wig John Travolta recently told Australia’s The Sunday Herald Sun that he isn’t interested in playing Edna Turnblad again for the announced film sequel to the hit film musical Hairspray.

“I think once is enough,” he said. “I did it and I did it well but I’m not a big sequel guy.” The actor, who previously appeared in the sequels Staying Alive, Look Who’s Talking Too and Look Who’s Talking Now in addition to being rumored for the upcoming sequel to Wild Hogs received rave reviews for appearing in drag for Hairspray, also earning a Golden Globe Award nomination.

Hairspray 2, which is scheduled for release in 2010 will be directed by Adam Shankman, who directed the first film, from a story by John Waters, who penned and helmed the original non-musical Hairspray film. Tony-winning songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are also onboard for the new film. The sequel will reportedly pick up the story of the Turnblad family after the resolution of the first film, which was set in 1962.

Hairspray grossed more than $200 million worldwide and later became a strong-selling DVD and soundtrack album. The Broadway production will play its final performance at the Neil Simon Theatre on January 4. Harvey Fierstein, who won a Tony Award for originating the role of Edna, returns to the production on November 11.