Laverne Cox Takes the Lead in The Rocky Horror Picture Show Telefilm

Laverne Cox will play Dr. Frank N. Furter on FOX’s upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show telefilm

Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox has signed on to headline FOX‘s upcoming telefilm remake of the cult classic musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Variety reports that She’ll play Dr. Frank N. Furter, the self-described “sweet transvestite from transexual Transylvania,” iconically played by Tim Curry in director Jim Sharman’s 1975 original.

Jim Sharman also directed the original stage play version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Featuring music, lyrics and book by Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Picture show premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1973. A sendup of classic B-movies, the story involves a just-engaged couple (played in the original film by Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick) whose car breaks down outside a mysterious castle. Seeking aid, the pair find themselves overnight guests of the mad Doctor.

Although The Rocky Horror Picture show initially bombed at the box office, it soon developed a cult following and now holds the record for the single longest theatrical run of all time. Thanks largely to midnight screenings, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has consistently played in theaters for 30 years.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show telefilm will be directed by Kenny Ortega and is being planned to air next fall. The High School Musical helmer will direct, choreograph and executive produce alongside Lou Adler (who also served as executive producer on the 1975 original). Gail Berman, meanwhile, is producing.

Laverne Cox, who was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for her work on Orange is the New Black, has also appeared on television shows like “The Mindy Project” and “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce”. She was recently seen on the big screen in director Paul Weitz’s Grandma. In addition to her acting career, the openly transgender star is a vocal civil rights activist. You can read about her efforts at the official Laverne Cox site.

(Photo Credit: FayesVision / WENN.com)

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