Ginger Minj and Jujubee, stars of the new disaster-comedy Stop! That! Train!, recently sat down to discuss the film, which director Adam Shankman describes as a movie for everyone, not just fans of RuPaul's Drag Race. The film, a parody in the vein of Airplane! and The Naked Gun, follows two stewardesses on a luxury train line as they navigate natural disasters, presidential politics, and musical numbers.
A Unique Blend of Glamour and Spoof
The movie is set in a parallel America where railways dominate travel and extreme weather events called 'stormaganzas' occur. RuPaul plays President Judy Gagwell, a former member of the Rail Force Division. The screenplay, by Christina Friel and Connor Wright, features a rapid-fire gag rate that rewards multiple viewings.
Jujubee and Ginger Minj, known for their chemistry on Drag Race, bring a chaotic but easy dynamic to their roles. Shankman directed them to play their parts as a drama, not a comedy, which led to memorable improvisation, including an extended fight scene performed 40 feet apart.
Behind the Scenes with the Cast
The cast, including Brooke Lynn Hytes, Marty Lauter, and Raven-Symoné, praised Shankman's understanding of drag. 'We never had to worry about those little things you usually have to worry about with someone who's never worked with drag queens,' Hytes said. Shankman noted the heroic effort of actors who spend 12 hours in uncomfortable drag while delivering free, funny performances.
A Major Crossover Event
Despite the success of Drag Race and its spin-offs, Stop! That! Train! feels like a major crossover event, aimed at a wider audience. Shankman clarified, 'I was making a movie for everyone, not just Drag Race fans.' The film was shot in 19 days on a small budget, and Shankman denied using AI for special effects after controversy arose.
Shankman expressed interest in working with drag queens on more serious projects, calling the talent pool 'an orchard where we could just pick the fruit.' Stop! That! Train! is now in US cinemas, with UK and Australia releases to follow.
