Christopher Walken has signed on to play Wilbur Turnblad in the upcoming film version of the musical Hairspray, Playbill.com has learned.Previously, Variety had reported that Jim Broadbent — known for his film turn as the boisterous club owner in "Moulin Rouge" — would play Tracy Turnblad’s father. But Hairspray lyricist Scott Wittman, speaking at the Broadway opening of Kiki & Herb, told Playbill.com columnist Harry Haun, "Christopher Walken just signed to play Travolta’s husband, and I’m happy about that."Wittman added, "We’ve done three or four new songs for the movie. Filming for the New Line Cinema motion picture is set to begin in September in Canada. Featuring a screenplay by Leslie Dixon, "Hairspray" — with a score by Marc Shaiman and Wittman — is expected to hit movie theatres around the country Dec. 21, 2007.
Playbill
Who knew Christopher Walken was a singer? I am kind of bummed about Jim Broadbent because I loved him in Moulin Rouge.
