This is definitely not good news.
I agree with you pranks. Sometimes this kind of thing can have a domino effect where one big cast member drops out and then another and another.
The first time I heard the news about Hairspray 2, I knew at that moment it would only be good if the whole original cast comes back.
With John dropping out, it just makes it sound worthless.
John Travolta is a pretty busy guy though. According to his IMDb page he has several things he is working on this year alone. He probably just doesn't have time. Musicals require a lot of work and maybe he is just not up for it at the moment.
Whatever his reasons are, this is definitely not good news for the success of Hairspray 2. Lets see what happens. I'm not a big fan of replacing actors in sequels. Maybe the writers will figure out a way to leave his character out of the movie?
