Adam Shankman ("Cheaper by the Dozen", "The Pacifier") is in negotiations to direct and choreograph New Line Cinema's movie musical "Hairspray" says Reuters, making it his immediate follow-up to this Fall's 'Dozen' sequel.

"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.

John Travolta is expected to play Edna Turnblad, the role Harvey Fierstein originated onstage. Queen Latifah has become an 'instant front-runner' for the role of Motormouth Maybelle.

Shankman, who directed such movies as "Bringing Down the House" and "The Pacifier," got his start as a dance and physical comedy choreographer on such movies as "The Flintstones," "Boogie Nights", "Inspector Gadget", the musical episode of TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the opening credits of sitcom "Friends".

Shooting will begin early next year in Baltimore, for a summer 2007 release.

Thanks to 'Milt'