The upcoming Fox TV special remake of the cult classic stage and film musical Rocky Horror Picture Show just added a history making actress to its cast. Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox, the first openly transgender Emmy Award nominated actress, is taking on the role of Dr. Frank N Furter, the larger than life character made famous by Tim Curry. Unlike Fox's upcoming Grease production, this won't be a live performance, but rather a two-hour taped TV event. Check out what Cox said on Twitter regarding this casting news below!
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Set for a Fall 2016 air date, marking the 40th anniversary of the original film, this is definitely one of the most anticipated TV events of the year. Kenny Ortega of This is It and High School Musical fame is set to direct, choreograph and executive produce this project. Considering this is not a live production, we can expect to see the cast filled out by those without live performance expertise, meaning just about anyone can join!
Considering the draw of Cox, this project is off to a great start already.
"I am so excited to be a part of [Rocky Horror Picture Show] legacy," the actress wrote on Twitter, confirming the casting news. Check out the tweet right here (via IGN / E! Online):
I am so excited to be a part of #RockHorror legacy. #DontDreamItBeIt https://t.co/tzCOpz5NFC
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) October 21, 2015
This is reportedly the first and only casting update on the project so far, but we have time before its air date. When considering the other characters, like Janet, Brad, Riff-Raff, Columbia, Rocky, Magenta and the rest, do you start to think of some dream-casting situations? Clearly, Cox is an ideal choice for Furter, but what changes need to be made for the character originally portrayed by a flamboyant actor?
