Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Director Adam Shankman

Hairspray, a 1988 John Waters film, was turned into a Tony-winning Broadway musical in 2002. The movie was to have been directed by Jerry Mitchell and Jack O'Brien, who choreographed the musical and won a Tony for directing it. After they dropped out, the studio entered talks with Rob Marshall of "Chicago" fame, but he never committed.

Shankman, who directed such movies as "Bringing Down the House" and "The Pacifier," got his start as a dance and physical comedy choreographer. He worked on such movies as "The Flintstones," "Boogie Nights" and "Inspector Gadget." He also choreographed the musical episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the opening credits of "Friends," says the trade.