The upcoming film ‘Stop! That! Train!’ is set to make history as the first feature-length movie to emerge from the popular Drag Race franchise. Directed by Adam Shankman, the film is scheduled for release on June 12. It promises both comedy and drama, centred on two stewardesses who must avert disaster as a severe storm threatens a high-speed train.
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Shankman, who has a long-standing collaboration with RuPaul dating back to 1994, spoke about the challenges of filming the movie within a tight timeframe. Remarkably, the production was wrapped in just 19 days, with some musical sequences being shot in as little as two hours. “We were moving real fast and almost all the cameos were shot in half a day,” Shankman revealed during a recent panel discussion in New York City. The director attributed the film’s success to the excellent rapport among the cast, who embraced the rushed shooting schedule.
The film features a roster of former contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race, including Ginger Minj, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Jujubee, Marcia Marcia Marcia, and Symone. Their vibrant personalities add an energetic flair to the story, a key factor in pushing the film’s narrative forward amid the chaos of quick filming days. Shankman noted that shooting in confined spaces for many musical numbers made filming smoother and allowed for a unique and dynamic presentation.
Written by Christina Friel and Connor Wright, ‘Stop! That! Train!’ is packed with comedic moments. However, Shankman indicated that there was less room for improvisation than one might assume. The cast chose to stick closely to the script, which they found inherently funny. “The comedians really wanted to do what was written because they thought it was funny,” he explained.
Marcia Marcia Marcia, one of the stars, called the experience of filming in such an intense environment a highlight of her career. “It was really fun,” she expressed, emphasising the adaptability and resourcefulness often demonstrated by drag performers. She also mentioned the camaraderie built among cast members, referring to it as “trauma bonding,” which ultimately helped everyone work effectively together.
Brooke Lynn Hytes echoed Marcia’s sentiments, describing the 19 days of filming as a surreal yet rewarding experience. “You didn’t have any time to think about anything, you just did and hoped for the best,” she noted. This relentless pace created an atmosphere where creativity could flourish under pressure.
Ginger Minj also shared insights into the fast-paced nature of the shoot, adding a bit of levity to the conversation. She quipped, “To do a feature film in that length of time is really absurd. But I’m grateful that we had our time on Drag Race to prepare us for that.” Her comments highlight how the constraints of previous competition settings contributed to the team’s ability to adapt to the demands of creating a feature film.
As ‘Stop! That! Train!’ approaches its release date, anticipation is building among fans of Drag Race and the broader film community. As the first cinematic venture for the franchise, it marks a significant milestone, showcasing the versatility and creative potential of drag culture. With Shankman at the helm, audiences can expect a delightful mix of laughter and drama, brought to life by a talented cast of drag queens who have proven their mettle on both stage and screen.
As this new chapter unfolds for the Drag Race brand, the film’s release aims to captivate current fans while potentially attracting a broader audience. The successful collaboration of talented individuals and a well-structured narrative promises to bring something fresh to the movie landscape, making it an exciting addition to the realm of LGBTQ+ cinema.
In a few short weeks, viewers will have the opportunity to tune in to this historic film, and with the energy and creativity that has characterised the franchise, there is little doubt it will leave a lasting impression.