John Waters Was ‘Shocked’ When “Hairspray” Landed a PG Rating, But Says He’s Glad It ‘Snuck In’

**John Waters Reflects on ‘Hairspray’ and Its Unexpected PG Rating**

Renowned filmmaker John Waters recently shared his thoughts on the journey of his iconic 1988 film *Hairspray*, particularly how the unexpected PG rating became a point of intrigue in his career. During a candid discussion on the *Las Culturistas* podcast, hosted by Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, Waters, now 80, recounted his initial shock upon receiving the rating for a film that features his frequent collaborator, drag queen Divine.

While many directors might have braced themselves for a higher rating, Waters found himself taken aback when *Hairspray* was branded with a PG label. Reflecting on the implications of this rating, he remarked, “It plays in Florida in grade schools and nobody b—-es. Two men singing a love song, encouraging interracial dating. Racists even like it. They’re so stupid.” This surprising acceptance illustrates how the film managed to prove its appeal across a broad spectrum of audiences.

Waters recounted the journey of *Hairspray*, emphasizing the contrast between the film and his earlier, more controversial works from the 1970s, which often received NC-17 or X ratings. The director’s films have typically been characterised by their transgressive nature, but with *Hairspray*, he took a contrasting approach that marked a shift in his creative repertoire. Yang described the film as the “punkiest thing” that Waters had done, to which Waters agreed, noting it was an unexpected success that navigated cultural boundaries.

During the podcast, Waters also pondered the influence of film reviews over the years. He expressed a belief that reviews no longer hold the same weight that they once did, stating, “They don’t have the power they used to.” In earlier times, a positive review from *The New York Times* could make or break an indie film’s success. However, today, Waters feels that the landscape has changed, allowing for more films to find their audience, regardless of critical evaluation.

Acknowledging the contrasts in film reception, Waters reminisced about the challenges he faced when his films were taken to Midwest test screenings—a decision he deemed misguided. “That’s not where they’re gonna play the best,” he remarked, indicating that audience tastes have shifted and are now more aligned with urban sensibilities, regardless of geographical location.

The conversation also touched upon the evolution of audience expectations and the concept of “cult classics.” Discussing the term, Waters argued that referring to a film as a cult classic is often detrimental, as it implies a niche appeal that may result in financial losses. He humorously recalled how executives would get “fired” when his films like *Serial Mom* failed to deliver at the box office, despite their innovative storytelling.

A pivotal moment in the podcast was when Waters highlighted the original cut of *Hairspray*, revealing that scenes depicting Tracy Turnblad behaving unkindly were ultimately excised from the final version. He suggested that these cuts were “wisely” made to maintain the film’s heartwarming essence. “It goes so far away from the nice girl that Tracy was,” he explained about the decision to preserve her likable character.

Despite its humble beginnings, *Hairspray* proved to be a sleeper hit, garnering a larger audience through its home video release during the 1990s, and even inspired a Broadway musical adaptation in 2002. This musical was later transformed into a 2007 film starring Nikki Blonsky and John Travolta, further solidifying the story’s cultural impact. Waters expressed his delight and disbelief at how his career has evolved from initially facing harsh critiques to now being celebrated in retrospectives, like the exhibit titled *John Waters: Pope of Trash* at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

As he looks back on his storied career, Waters remarked, “I built a career on bad reviews. Now, when I get good ones, I’m shocked.” His reflections offer an insightful glimpse into the evolving landscape of cinema and the unpredictability that accompanies a creative life. The legacy of *Hairspray*, from its subversive narrative to its surprising reception, continues to resonate with audiences, capturing the essence of Waters’ unique storytelling approach.