In a move that promises to bring unparalleled fabulousness to the multiplex, global icon RuPaul is set to trade the runway for the big screen, starring in an untitled action-comedy from “Hairspray” director Adam Shankman. Bleecker Street has teamed up with Emmy-winning media company World of Wonder to acquire North American rights to the film, billing it as the first-ever feature from the expansive “RuPaul’s Drag Race” universe, with plans for a nationwide theatrical release in 2026.
The official plot description sends best friends and train stewardesses Tess and DeeDee from their dreary shifts on the dismal Stank Rail to the glittering rails of the high-speed Glamazonian Express. However, their journey takes a wild turn when a catastrophic ‘Stormganza’ threatens to derail the train and crash it into Los Angeles, forcing the coach duo to join forces with the snobby first class attendants and President Judy Gagwell, a role played by RuPaul that he was born to play, to save the day. The whole fabulous affair sounds a little like the classic film “Silver Streak,” only injected with a potent dose of sequins, wit, and unapologetic camp.
RuPaul himself, an Emmy and Tony Award–winning performer, producer, and author best known as the creator and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” declared, “President Judy Gagwell is the part I was born to play. Finally, a role I can sink my dentures into.” The project reunites him with director Adam Shankman, a frequent guest judge on “Drag Race” whose directorial credits include “A Walk to Remember,” “Bringing Down the House,” and “Rock of Ages,” which famously gave the world Tom Cruise in ass-less chaps. Shankman, who has been friends with RuPaul for three decades, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve watched him and the folks at World of Wonder help change culture writ large with Drag Race.
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.” The sentiment of joyous absurdity was echoed by World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, who quipped, “Drag queens in charge of America’s first-ever hyperspeed, transcontinental, non-denominational bullet train. What could possibly go wrong? What the world needs now is a disaster movie so twisted it will blow your mind.”
Bleecker Street’s CEO, Kent Sanderson, shared the excitement, saying, “We are so excited to be boarding this train. 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, with a script written by Connor Wright & Christina Friel, and principal photography is set to begin this fall in Los Angeles.
The producing team includes Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul Charles, and Adam Shankman. The deal was negotiated by Bleecker Street’s Miranda King and Avy Eschenasy, with Cinetic Media representing the filmmakers, and Unapologetic Projects serving as an executive producer and financier on the project. This big-screen adventure marks the latest achievement for RuPaul, who in addition to revolutionizing television has released 18 studio albums, published four books, and appeared in more than 50 films and television shows, from “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” to Netflix’s “AJ & The Queen,” ensuring the Glamazonian Express is in the most capable hands imaginable.
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