On May 16, Fox Network released it's first trailer for the cult classic remake "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Its all-star cast features Victoria Justice ("Victorious" and "Zoey 101") as Janet Weiss, Ryan McCartan ("Liv and Maddie") as Brad Majors, Christina Milian ("Grandfathered") as Magenta, Adam Lambert ("American Idol") as Eddie and Laverne Cox ("Orange is the New Black") as Dr. Frank-n-Furter. Tim Curry, who played the original Dr. Frank-n-Furter, will be present as well, this time playing to role of the Criminologist. The trailer opens with Brad and Janet caught in the rain. They knock on a door, seeking shelter and are greeted with an eerie "hello" from Riff Raff (Reeve Carney). The unforgettable tune of "Time Warp" begins and we are introduced to Cox's Dr. Frank-n-Furter. Although Frank-n-Furter's theatrical make-up echoes Curry's original rendition, Cox's hair is a bright red, a striking difference when compares to Curry's trademark, black wild curls.
The cult classic revival has been highly anticipated since Fox announced their plans to make a remake in 2015. Kenny Ortega ("Hocus Pocus" and "High School Musical") is set to direct to re-imagination of the film. Lou Adler ("Hitch and "Space Jam"), the original producer of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," is co-producing the remake, along with Ortega and Gail Berman ("House," "Arrested Development," "Bones and "Family Guy"). The creative team has announced their intentions to stick with the original sound and score, but plans to revive the film artistically.
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" follows Brad and Janet as they find themselves with a flat tire on the way home from a wedding. Hoping to simply use the phone, the duo flocks to a nearby castle, where they instead find themselves in the middle of an Annual Transylvanian Convention. Dr. Frank-n-Furter grandly appears during one of the shows most famous numbers, "Sweet Transvestite," and flirts with the couple. What ensues from their is a whimsical, sexual, and at times, outlandish, adventure of self discovery, excitement and even murder!
It's very fitting that Laverne Cox, an advocate for transgender rights, take on the spectacular role of Dr. Frank-n-Furter. Amongst the movie's quirks, a positive message of sexuality arises. Songs such as "Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me," "I Can Make You a Man" as well as Frank-n-Furter's bisexual, or possibly pansexual, nature broke down barriers, as well as offered acceptance to those struggling with their sexual identity when the film first appeared in 1975, and even to this day.
The revival is set to appear in fall 2016, around Halloween, although a specific release date has yet to be given.
