Laverne Cox responds to Rocky Horror remake criticism
Laverne Cox has responded to initial criticism of the Rocky Horror remake – in which she plays Dr Frank-N-Furter.
The Orange is the New Black star, who is transgender, has signed on to play Dr Frank-N-Furter in the remake – a role that is traditionally played by a cross-dressing man.
Cox will put a new spin on the new self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania”, revamping the role for the modern age.
However, initial promo and trailers for the Fox remake have not been well received by fans of the cult classic musical – attracting a huge number of dislikes on YouTube.
Some fans have also complained about the casting of Cox – but the actress says she has put everything into the project.
She told ET Online: “People can be very… challenging and critical, but I put everything I had into this.
“I gave 250 percent, and I hope people like what we came up with.”
She added: “Rocky Horror is sacred to people.
“It’s the longest-running movie in theater history, in movie history. For 41 years, people have been going to midnight showings and dressing up, with shadow casts all over the world.
“It means so much to so many people.”
However, she added that the Rocky Horror fan club had given the remake their blessing, saying: “Hardcore Rocky fans seem to be on board with it.”
She added: “Four years ago, I was barely paying my rent, in eviction court, and now I’m at the Billboard Awards?!
“This won’t last forever, so I’m really trying to enjoy it.
“I had the time of my life [filming Rocky].
“What’s so exciting about being in this music show, is that the music, the soundtrack for Rocky Horror Picture Show is so incredible and so timeless, and I just have new respect for recording artists.”
Rocky Horror creator Richard O’Brien – who wrote the original musical and screenplay – has spoken about how his gender identity influenced the show previously, saying: “I believe myself probably to be about 70% male, 30% female.”
However, he stirred controversy recently by suggesting that trans women can never truly be women.
