"Stop That Train" Producers Reveal Unique Take on "Silly Disaster Spoof"

The “Drag Race” universe is expanding into a new comedic realm with the release of “Stop That Train,” a disaster movie parody set to hit movie theaters this weekend. Distributed by Bleecker Street Films and World of Wonder, the 92-minute film promises a generous dose of absurd silliness, aiming to provide much-needed laughter in challenging times.

Helmed by director Adam Shankman and produced by World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, “Stop That Train” stars RuPaul in the role of Madame President Gagwell. President Gagwell finds herself in a precarious situation, tasked with averting a national disaster while simultaneously trying to boost her approval ratings. The crisis unfolds when the high-speed Glamazonian Express train is struck by lightning, sending it hurtling towards an impending catastrophe, referred to as a “stormaganza.”

A notable roster of former “Drag Race” contestants joins RuPaul on screen. Best friends Tess, played by Ginger Minj, and DeeDee, portrayed by Jujubee, are train stewardesses who trade their monotonous shifts on the Stank Rail for the glamorous Glamazonian Express. However, their new environment introduces them to the A-Squad, a formidable trio akin to the “Mean Girls,” led by Ayshleiygh (Symone), Alli (Marcia Marcia Marcia), and Amber (Brook Lynn Hytes). The film also boasts an impressive lineup of celebrity cameos, including Nicole Richie, Lisa Rinna, Raven Symone, Matt Rogers, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

The journey of “Stop That Train” to the big screen has been a long one, originating 11 years ago from the initial brainstorming sessions of Bailey and Barbato. While the duo continued their work primarily in unscripted and documentary formats over the years, the concept for this scripted movie persisted. Bailey emphasized the timeliness of such a comedy, stating, “We’re living in what seems like a real-life nightmare, and we need laughter.” He further posited that “laughter is activism, is resistance,” particularly when facing oppression, while also being inherently fun.

RuPaul, widely recognized as the host of “Drag Race,” has a history in filmmaking, which Bailey and Barbato were aware of since meeting him in the mid-’80s, recalling his early movies like “Starbooty.” Barbato highlighted RuPaul’s natural talent and efficiency as an actor, noting that he “was built for this.” RuPaul also served as a producer on the film.

During the film’s development, director Adam Shankman made a pivotal decision to change the setting from an airplane, as originally conceived, to a train. He explained that a train allowed for the same high stakes and comedic opportunities as an airplane setting. The humor in the film is largely delivered by the queens and “Drag Race” alumni, whose ability to land jokes effortlessly did not surprise Bailey, who sees drag queens as inherently actors playing roles the moment they step onto a stage.

Production for “Stop That Train” took place on location in Los Angeles, specifically on the same stage where “Drag Race” is filmed. The shooting schedule was a compact 19 days, employing up to 200 local crew members, thereby providing employment within the community. The film was also independently financed, a characteristic that Barbato noted is common for World of Wonder’s projects, which often have a longer, fiercely independent trajectory, similar to “Drag Race” itself. Despite limited resources, the team aimed to create a substantial film, describing it as “an indie film in studio drag.”

Bailey and Barbato draw inspiration for their storytelling from their experiences watching drag shows at the Pyramid in the East Village with an audience. They view such communal experiences, whether at a live drag show or watching “Drag Race” with friends, as not only fun but also healing. Bailey jokingly suggested that audiences would leave “Stop That Train” with sore faces from laughing, a welcome change from the grim news cycle. Barbato expressed satisfaction with their foray into the scripted space, hinting at future possibilities, including potential horror ideas, but for now, their focus remains on bringing joy and leaving audiences happier than when they arrived.