Zadan and Meron, who have also produced several television versions of well known musical comedies, will oversee the work of director Jack O'Brien, choreographer Jerry Mitchell, composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and librettists Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, who all worked on the stage version and will be employed on the film. As for the cast, New Line Cinema stated that Harvey Fierstein will be the only actor from the original cast to be considered for the movie. That means that Tony-winning actors Marissa Jaret Winokur and Dick Latessa will not repeat their work.
Zadan told Vareity that he and Meron will produce the film through their newly formed Zadan/Meron company.
News of a Hairspray move came days after "Chicago" won the Oscar for Best Picture. At the time, the names of Craig Zadan and Neil Meron were immediately suggested in entertainment circles.
