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Entertainment • Musical Film

Hairspray

Hairspray is a 2007 American musical film directed by Adam Shankman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hairspray is a 2007 American musical film directed by Adam Shankman. It is based on the 2002 Broadway musical, which was itself adapted from John Waters’s 1988 film, and follows Tracy Turnblad’s efforts to dance on a local TV show in 1962 Baltimore while supporting racial integration.

Premise

The film follows Tracy Turnblad, a teenager who becomes a local celebrity after landing a spot on a television dance show in Baltimore. Her growing influence leads her to advocate for integration of the program.

Production and adaptation

Hairspray was adapted from the Tony Award-winning 2002 Broadway musical, which itself was based on John Waters’s 1988 film. The 2007 movie was directed by Adam Shankman and written by Leslie Dixon.

Cast and characters

The film features an ensemble cast including Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad, John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma Von Tussle, Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle, and Zac Efron as Link Larkin.

Themes and reception

The story combines musical comedy with themes of body positivity, acceptance, and civil rights-era integration. It was widely noted as a successful and popular movie musical.

Key facts

  • The 2007 film adapts the stage musical version of Hairspray, rather than adapting the 1988 film directly.
  • The story centres on Tracy Turnblad, a teenager who wants to perform on The Corny Collins Show.
  • The narrative is set in 1962 Baltimore and addresses racial segregation and social change.
  • The film was directed by Adam Shankman and choreographed by him as well.
  • Hairspray is part of a larger franchise that began with John Waters’s 1988 film and expanded into a Broadway musical.
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Canadian context

Hairspray has been staged and screened in Canada as part of the long-running popularity of Broadway and film musicals, and its themes of inclusion and social change have broad appeal to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hairspray?
Hairspray is a 2007 musical film based on the 2002 Broadway musical, following Tracy Turnblad’s rise on a Baltimore TV dance show.
Is Hairspray based on a true story?
No. It is a fictional story, though it is set against real social issues in 1962 Baltimore and was inspired by John Waters’s earlier film.
Who directed Hairspray?
The 2007 film was directed by Adam Shankman.
What is Hairspray about?
It is about a teenager who dreams of dancing on television and helps challenge segregation on the show.
Is Hairspray a remake?
It is best described as a film adaptation of the Broadway musical version of Hairspray, which was itself adapted from the 1988 film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairspray_(2007_film)
    Supports: 2007 film details, director, cast, setting, and adaptation chain
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hairspray-1988-film
    Supports: Original 1988 film by John Waters and its significance
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairspray_(musical)
    Supports: Broadway musical origins, setting, and story premise
  4. Playbill — https://www.playbill.com/production/hairspray-neil-simon-theatre-vault-0000000844
    Supports: Broadway musical synopsis and creative team