Tim Curry Saves The Rocky Horror Picture Show Remake

Rocky Horror Picture Show was originally made in 1975 and starred Tim Curry in the lead role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. He was a “sweet transvestite” from Transylvania as he explains in the now immortal song of one of the most popular cult classic movies ever. The show was an anthem to sexual awakening in young people, and it was also one of the best comedy musical horror movies ever. Not that a lot of those type of movies have ever been made. Basically, it was one of a kind show, and people fell in love with it.

Tim Curry fans, who loved him in the role, and also wanted to protect their favorite picture show from some campy remake, were very concerned when FOX wanted to create a new version as a made for TV movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btL-tQYLELs

A Rocky Horror Picture Show remake? Fans were extremely skeptical at first. Some were quite enraged. How can anyone imagine Dr. Frank-N-Furter as anyone other than Tim Curry? But wait. Isn’t that what this cult classic has always been about? For decades fans dressed up as Dr. Frank-N-Furter and other characters from the famous film, and acted out the film as they watched it.

Tim Curry is, of course, the real Frank-N-Furter. No one ever questions that, not even Laverne Cox, who will play Frank-N-Furter in the new FOX TV version, but imitating him has always been half the fun. Who doesn’t remember throwing rice, getting splashed with water, and then getting an ice cold soda down their neck from an over excited fellow moviegoer? It isn’t Rocky Horror unless one goes home drenched and sticky, with rice in their underwear. That is just how it has always been done. So why not reenact it yet again as another motion picture? After all, it has been recreated as a play all over the world.

Still, Rocky Horror Picture Show fans were very reluctant to support a new version of the cult musical horror classic. After all, there is nothing wrong with the old version. It has been more than sufficient for over 40 years, and no one would want anyone young or old to ever forget the original cast. Executive Producer, Lou Adler was at his wits end trying to entice the cult film fans to give his new made for TV flick a chance according to Deadline Hollywood.

“As you can imagine, when we announced we were doing this, there was a tremendous backlash from fans.”

That is when Tim Curry came to the rescue, lending his full support to the remake. He offered to play Dr. Scott, in the new FOX TV version, but it was decided he would be the narrator instead. Curry has been confined to a wheelchair since he had a stroke in 2013. He thought he would be perfect to play the wheelchair-bound Dr. Scott. Still, he is thrilled about the remake and his role as narrator, according to the News Tribune.

“It was a blessing. I loved being there.”

Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 40 year-old-tradition, that brings in each new generation. So why is FOX remaking the classic anyway? Victoria Justice, who plays Janet in the new version explains it this way, to TV Guide.

“It’s really cool to introduce Rocky Horror Picture Show to a brand new generation that probably wouldn’t be exposed to it otherwise…. Now a whole new generation is going to be able to sing along to ‘The Time Warp.’ They’re going to be able to be familiar with these characters who can inspire them in a lot of different ways. We have a transgender, amazing, talented woman playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter is a real reflection of where we are now as a society. “

Tim Curry’s role will be played by Laverne Cox. Cox has an amazing five-octave vocal range and is an extraordinary singer. Of course, she will need to be as the role calls for exactly that, as well as a unique stage persona.

The New Rocky Horror Picture Show has a very talented cast according to Movie Pilot. Victoria Justice will play Janet Weiss, a sweet innocent young girl, at least before she meets Frank-N-Furter and company. Her male counterpart in the film, Brad Majors, will be played by Ryan McCartan. Reeve Carney will co-star as Riff Raff. Other stars include Adam Lambert as Eddie, Staz Nair as Rocky, Annaleigh Ashford as Columbia, and Christina Milian as Magenta.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show remake will appear on FOX October 20, with Tim Curry as the Narrator.

[Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]