Photo by Dan Steinberg/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images; Photofest
The 'Orange Is the New Black' star will take on the role of Frank-N-Furter, made famous by Tim Curry.
Following a lengthy casting process, Fox has found the star of its upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox will take on the iconic role of Frank-N-Furter in the network's upcoming movie event Rocky Horror Picture Show remake, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The character was made famous by Tim Curry in the 1975 cult classic, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and continues to be screened at midnight in theaters across the country. The two-hour Fox special, due in fall 2016, will be directed, exec produced and choreographed by Kenny Ortega (High School Musical) and filmed in advance. Ortega, Gail Berman and Lou Adler, who produced the original film, are attached as exec producers. The new Rocky will be produced by Fox 21 Television studios and Berman's The Jackal Group. Adam Lambert and Lady Gaga previously were offered the part.
For the uninitiated, Frank-N-Furter is the self-described "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania" and a scientist. The movie is a satire of sci-fi movies and horror B-movies and originally starred Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick as a couple who stumble upon Frank-N-Furter's odd castle in which he is creating a living man in his lab.
For Cox, who became the first transgender actress to earn an Emmy nomination for her role in the Netflix dramedy, the role marks her latest TV foray. She also has a co-starring role in CBS' retooled Doubt pilot, in which she plays a transgender attorney in a role specifically created for a trans actress.
Cox is repped by Hartig Hilepo and Peikoff Mahan.
