Bleecker Street has partnered with Emmy-winning media company World of Wonder to acquire North American rights to a new untitled action-comedy feature, starring multi-Emmy winner and entertainment icon RuPaul (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) and directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray).
The first-ever theatrical feature film project from the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” universe, it will follow best friends Tess and DeeDee, train stewardesses who trade their dreary shifts on the Stank Rail for the glitzy Glamazonian Express. When a catastrophic “Stormganza” threatens to derail the high-speed train and crash it into Los Angeles, the duo in coach must join forces with the snobby first class attendants, and President Gagwell (RuPaul), to save the day in this wild ride of camp and comedy.
RuPaul says: “President Judy Gagwell is the part I was born to play. Finally, a role I can sink my dentures into.”
“I’ve been friends with RuPaul for 30 years and in that time I’ve watched him and the folks at World of Wonder help change culture writ large with Drag Race,” said director Adam Shankman. “When they asked me to come aboard this hilarious and truly unhinged project, in a time so desperate for escapist entertainment and laughter, I couldn’t resist.”
“Drag queens in charge of America’s first-ever hyperspeed, transcontinental, non-denominational bullet train. What could possibly go wrong?” said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. “What the world needs now is a disaster movie so twisted it will blow your mind. We are delighted to welcome Bleecker Street and everyone aboard the most bonkers train in cinematic herstory.”
“We are so excited to be boarding this train,” said Kent Sanderson, CEO of Bleecker Street. “The world that World of Wonder has been building for years is so incredible, and Adam Shankman is a comedy legend; we are so honored to be bringing this first, and wonderfully nuts, big screen experience to audiences nationwide.”
The film will be produced by World of Wonder, written by Connor Wright & Christina Friel, and principal photography is set to begin this fall in Los Angeles. Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul Charles, and Adam Shankman serve as producers. The deal was negotiated by Bleecker Street’s Miranda King and Avy Eschenasy, with Cinetic Media representing the filmmakers. Unapologetic Projects is an Executive Producer and financier on the project.