RuPaul to Star in Action-Comedy Set in ‘Drag Race’ Universe From Director Adam Shankman, Bleecker Street and World of Wonder

RuPaul will trade the runway for the big screen, starring in a new and, as yet, 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. The film, which is billed as the first-ever feature from the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” universe, will be released theatrically nationwide in 2026. 

According to an official plot description, the film will follow “best friends Tess and DeeDee, train stewardesses who trade their dreary shifts on the Stank Rail for the glitzy Glamazonian Express. When a catastrophic ‘Stormganza’ threatens to derail the high-speed train and crash it into Los Angeles, the duo in coach must join forces with the snobby first class attendants, and President Gagwell (RuPaul), to save the day.” The whole thing sounds a little like “Silver Streak,” only a lot more fabulous.

RuPaul says: “President Judy Gagwell is the part I was born to play. Finally, a role I can sink my dentures into.”

“I’ve been friends with RuPaul for 30 years and in that time I’ve watched him and the folks at World of Wonder help change culture writ large with Drag Race,” said Shankman. “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.”

“Drag queens in charge of America’s first-ever hyperspeed, transcontinental, non-denominational bullet train. What could possibly go wrong?” said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. “What the world needs now is a disaster movie so twisted it will blow your mind. We are delighted to welcome Bleecker Street and everyone aboard the most bonkers train in cinematic herstory.”

“We are so excited to be boarding this train,” said Kent Sanderson, CEO of Bleecker Street. “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, written by Connor Wright & Christina Friel, and principal photography is set to begin this fall in Los Angeles. Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul Charles, and Shankman serve as producers. The deal was negotiated by Bleecker Street’s Miranda King and Avy Eschenasy, with Cinetic Media representing the filmmakers. Unapologetic Projects is an executive producer and financier on the project. 

RuPaul is an Emmy and Tony Award–winning performer, producer, and author, best known as the creator and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” In addition, RuPaul 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”.

Shankman is a director, producer, choreographer, and author whose films include “A Walk to Remember,” “Bringing Down the House,” “The Pacifier,” and “Rock of Ages,” which gave the world Tom Cruise in ass-less chaps. Shankman also served as a judge on seasons 6 and 7 of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and is a frequent guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” 

RuPaul is represented by CAA; Shankman is represented by UTA. World of Wonder is represented by CAA and Cinetic Media.