TL;DR
- Adam Shankman directs the first Drag Race feature film.
- Star-studded cast includes RuPaul and other drag queens.
- The film is a comedic disaster movie with political undertones.
- It aims to make queer cinematic history upon release.
- Fans are eager for a potential Ru-niverse franchise.
Hold onto your wigs, darling, because the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race are about to take you on a wild ride with the upcoming film Stop! That! Train! Directed by the fabulous Adam Shankman, this movie is not just another flick; it’s a potential game-changer in queer cinema. With a cast that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood and drag royalty, you won’t want to miss this train!
Imagine a luxury bullet train packed with comedic legends and fierce queens, all racing toward an impending disaster. That’s the premise of Stop! That! Train!, which features a jaw-dropping lineup including RuPaul as President Gagwell, Jujubee, Ginger Minj, and a slew of other stars like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. It’s a cinematic feast that promises to be as hilarious as it is groundbreaking.
In the spirit of classic satirical films like Airplane!, this movie is poised to deliver laughs while navigating the complexities of drag culture without overtly addressing it. Shankman noted, “The movie is not the show,” emphasizing that while it features beloved queens, it’s crafted to stand on its own. This is a film that doesn’t just rely on the drag aesthetic; it’s about the characters and the story.
Shankman’s journey to directing this film began with a casual conversation with World of Wonder co-heads Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey. They pitched him a script they believed was hilarious, and after some thought, he was on board. “Ru wanted me to direct the movie,” he reminisces. Their long-standing friendship since 1994 added an extra layer of chemistry to the project.
What’s particularly intriguing about Stop! That! Train! is its approach to representation. While drag has a rich history in film, modern theatrical releases have often sidelined these vibrant performers. Barbato and Bailey expressed their desire to add to the canon of drag films, citing classics like To Wong Foo and The Birdcage as inspirations. “These movies are for everyone, and we wanted to add to that canon. There just aren’t enough of them,” Barbato stated.
As the film gears up for its theatrical debut on June 12, excitement is palpable. Shankman hopes that audiences will embrace this unique vision and support the film, paving the way for more projects in the future. “If this does well, there are infinitely more opportunities,” he said, hinting at a possible Ru-niverse franchise. So, mark your calendars and prepare to laugh your way through this comedic adventure!
In a time when LGBTQ+ representation is more crucial than ever, Stop! That! Train! not only aims to entertain but also to bring a sense of joy and healing to audiences. As Shankman puts it, “In these dark times, sharing a laugh with an audience in a theater is not only something to take your mind off things; it can be healing.” So, grab your friends, get your tickets, and let’s make some noise for this groundbreaking film!