John Travolta (with newcomer Nikki Blonsky) on the set on the movie Hairspray. Travolta is playing Edna Turnbolt, the role originated by Divine in the 1988 movie and reprised by Harvey Fierstein on Broadway. [SOURCE]
And here’s an article from USA Today about why John Travolta was the right man for the job.
@Cinefille 
That’s so crazy! Travolta in drag in Hairspray?! Can’t wait to see it.
Hopefully it will be good. There some other good cast members too. I loved Hairspray when I saw on it on Broadway.