If you’re ready for a high-speed, laugh-out-loud, camp-tastic ride, STOP! THAT! TRAIN! is pulling into theaters on June 12th and it is serving everything. Directed by the one and only Adam Shankman (Hairspray, Rock of Ages), this action-comedy disaster flick mixes runaway train chaos, a massive “Stormaganza,” and a whole lot of Drag Race royalty. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the director and the fabulous cast during the junket — and honey, the stories are juicy!

Here are the best secrets from the set straight from the source.

Adam Shankman on Celebrating “Glorious Stupidity” and Bringing Queer Camp to the Big Screen

Manny: Adam, you’ve done musicals, dramas, and now this over-the-top disaster comedy. What made you jump aboard STOP! THAT! TRAIN!?

Adam Shankman: Manny, I live for projects that just make people happy. This movie is pure “glorious stupidity” — a love letter to classic disaster films like Airplane! but with a queer camp twist and the most incredible ensemble. We’ve got a runaway high-speed train called the Glamazonian Express, a Stormaganza threatening Los Angeles, and drag icons saving the day. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and full of heart. Working with World of Wonder and RuPaul’s universe on the big screen feels like a major moment for queer storytelling in mainstream cinema.

Manny: Biggest challenge directing all these legendary queens?

Adam Shankman: Keeping a straight face! The improv was next-level. But the real joy was watching them bring such professionalism and wild creativity to these big action set pieces. This film shows that camp and spectacle can go hand-in-hand.

Ginger Minj & Jujubee: Bestie Train Stewardesses Tess & DeeDee Steal the Show

Manny: You two play best friends Tess and DeeDee, coach-class queens turned heroes. How much of your real-life friendship made it into the movie?

Ginger Minj: Oh Manny, it was seamless! Tess is the no-nonsense one with a heart of gold, and playing opposite Jujubee felt so natural. We bicker, we support each other, and we serve snacks while the world is literally falling apart. Our real chemistry made every scene fun — even when the train set was shaking like crazy.

Jujubee: Exactly! DeeDee is the chaotic bestie, and Ginger keeps me grounded. Sharing scenes with Mama RuPaul as President Judy Gagwell was iconic. She gave me this one direction that was so simple but perfect — it elevated the whole moment. You’re going to scream when you see it.

Ginger Minj: The safety instruction scene and the Stormaganza climax are pure camp perfection. This is the hilarious comedy extravaganza we all need right now!

Brooke Lynn Hytes, Symone & Marty Lauter (Marcia Marcia Marcia) Serve Fierce First-Class Energy

Manny: Brooke, you went from hosting Canada’s Drag Race to playing fierce Amber in this ensemble. How was the transition?

Brooke Lynn Hytes: It was a blast! My ballet background actually helped a ton with all the wild physical comedy and slapstick on a moving train set. The choreography of chaos was real — running in heels while delivering zingers? Iconic.

Symone: I got to bring my fashion and wit to a high-maintenance train attendant stuck in the middle of catastrophe. Acting alongside Mother RuPaul as President Judy Gagwell was everything. She just has this presence that makes you elevate your game instantly.

Marty Lauter (Marcia Marcia Marcia): Going from Broadway’s Cabaret Emcee to an Adam Shankman set was fast-paced and fabulous. I hope audiences take away the joy and the reminder that even in the craziest situations, friendship and fierceness win. The Drag Race vibes are strong, but this is a whole new level of big-screen fun.

Manny’s Verdict: All Aboard for Campy Chaos!

STOP! THAT! TRAIN! is off-the-rails perfection — clever writing, killer performances, outrageous stunts, and so much heart. Adam Shankman has delivered a crowd-pleasing action-comedy that celebrates queer joy in the most entertaining way possible. Thumbs way up! Don’t miss it in theaters starting June 12th.

What was your favorite secret from the set? Drop it in the comments below! 👇

Manny the Movie Guy

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