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Today, it’s nearly impossible to picture the cinematic rendition of “Hairspray,” the effervescent Tony-winning musical originally inspired by John Waters’ 1988 cult classic, without envisioning Amanda Bynes and Zac Efron in pivotal roles. Alongside Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad, Bynes portrayed Penny, Tracy’s naive best friend with an overly protective mother, while Efron took on the role of Link Larkin, Tracy’s charismatic crush and a star on “The Corny Collins Show.” Surprisingly, however, both teen icons almost missed out on being part of the film.
New Line Cinema
Director Adam Shankman was thrilled at the prospect of casting Zac Efron—who was soaring on the popularity of Disney’s “High School Musical” series—as the lead male in “Hairspray.” However, he was hesitant about casting Bynes as Penny. The producers, conversely, were more keen on Bynes. It was through a bit of negotiation that both actors eventually secured their spots in the musical adaptation.
Despite Amanda Bynes’ established fame from TV shows like “All That” and “The Amanda Show,” Shankman had reservations about her suitability for Penny. He confessed on the “And That’s What You REALLY Missed” podcast (via EW) that the studio favored Bynes, while he was still undecided.
Studio preferences often carry significant influence, yet casting decisions can still be flexible. Shankman agreed to cast Bynes as Penny if he could also bring Efron on board as Link Larkin, despite Efron’s less-than-stellar audition. New Line Cinema consented, leading to both actors being included in the film. In hindsight, Shankman has no regrets and has grown to admire the unique blend of innocence and boldness that Bynes contributed to her character.
Adam Shankman has no regrets about his casting decisions
New Line Cinema
Although Amanda Bynes had cemented her reputation as a young star on television in “All That” and “The Amanda Show,” Adam Shankman wasn’t certain she was the right fit for Penny. “There was a long line of people to play Penny and New Line wanted Amanda,” he said in an episode of the “And That’s What You REALLY Missed” podcast (via EW). “And I was on the fence about it.”
What the studio wants tends to carry an extra abundance of weight, but there’s also room for negotiation in any casting process. Shankman agreed to bring on Bynes as Penny if the studio would also allow him to cast Efron as Link Larkin (despite what Shankman refers to as a “terrible” audition). New Line agreed, and both actors were cast in the project. For his part, Shankman has no regrets, and has come to appreciate the “lascivious innocence,” as he called it, that Bynes brought to the role.
