Dr Scott, Janet, Brad, ROCKKYYY. And so on and so forth. There is a whole generation of alternative cinema and theatre lovers who harbor a secret love of donning a pair of fishnet stockings, a corset and some platform boots and pretending to be a Sweet Transvestite. Or maybe gold hot-pants were more your style? Now the sexually ambiguous cult classic musical is getting a make over by Fox.
It has already been reported that musical classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show is getting a remake from Fox and damn it Janet, that was a cause for concern. Rocky Horror is cinematic and theatrical legend, and that is in no small part because of the outstanding casting of Tim Curry as Dr Frank-N-Furter.
Potentially one of the best casting decisions in movie history and one that has been reprised by many an actor, mostly falling short of Curry’s iconic performance. However it has now been uncovered that all of those concerns and worries have been waylaid with the casting of the fierce and deliciously talented Laverne Cox as the unstable, bisexual Dr.
The Emmy nominated Orange is the New Black star is set to work black lipstick and rubber gloves rather than the orange onesie she is used to as Sophie Burset in the Netflix female prison comedy drama. And who could imagine a better suited casting than Cox. Whilst this is an iconic role to take on, Cox’s suitability to this role is undeniable. She oozes both the charm and attitude that is essential to carry the role off effectively and fill the rather large stilettos that Tim Curry has left behind.
With Lou Adler returning to the project, having been an executive producer on the original, with Gail Berman (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel) and Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, Hocus Pocus) directing. The irony of a Buffy/Angel alumni being involved is not lost, given Anthony Stewart Heads (Giles) turn as Rocky on the stage. And with a Hocus Pocus team member on board this project is gaining potential.
This is more of a reboot than a remake. The Rocky Horror Show Event is a live musical event that will be televised, rather than a big film remake. Hopefully this will help encapsulate that bawdy, raunchy, raucous atmosphere that comes with Rocky and was emulated so well in the film adaptation. With Laverne Cox on board in the lead role, this is looking all the more likely. Let’s hope the casting staff wise up in terms of the rest of the cast. The show is due to air in late 2016. Hot Patootie!
