Move over, Tim Curry. Laverne Cox is taking the stage, along with your old wardrobe and loyal servants. On Oct. 21, Fox Network announced that their reimagining of the 40-year-old cult classic now has a scene-stealing mad scientist in the form of Cox.
Cox has a huge shoe to fill, considering Tim Curry's brilliant portrayal of the flirtatious alien, Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the original 1975 film. Cox's portrayal of Curry's iconic role will most probably be compared not only with the original, but also with all the productions that were staged in celebration of the film's 40 years.
It might seem like a daunting task but Cox is certainly up to the challenge, especially since she tweeted about her excitement with getting the part.
I am so excited that the news is out. I am so honored to be a part of the Rocky Horror legacy.… https://t.co/5guzt7WTyd
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) October 22, 2015
Earlier this year, Fox announced its intent to reboot "Rocky Horror" into a two-hour television production with "High School Musical" Director Kenny Ortega on board as director, producer and choreographer. The original film's producer, Lou Adler, is also on board for the project, as well as Gail Berman. We're pretty sure the pressure is also weighing on Ortega, coming more from the fans of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" than the studio itself.
Laverne Cox is best known for playing Sophia Burnett in the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black" and also for being the first openly transgender person of color who plays as a lead role in a mainstream series. In June, she became the first transgender to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds. Cox is also an active advocate of the transgender community. She regularly speaks in events to encourage her message about breaking free from gender expectations.
You can watch her speak about her advocacy below.
Fox has announced that the reboot of "Rocky Horror" will air on their network in Fall 2016.
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