NEWS: Reese, Rocky Horror & The Revenant
Monday, October 26, 2015 at 9:31AM
Manuel here trying to keep up with exciting news about several TFE faves (and one who hasn’t quite earned that title).
- HBO’s Big Little Lies, which we’ve discussed before since it’s produced and will star the unlikely power duo of Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, has “allegedly” found a director. Jean Marc-Vallée, of Wild and (more recently) Demolition (TIFF review) fame is in talks to direct the first episode of the short television series adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s endlessly readable book about suburban secrets. Confession: I read it in one sitting and can’t wait to see how it turns out. Let’s hope they sign Vallée’s contract soon since he’s wont to keep himself busy (presumably with that long-gestating Janis Joplin pic with Amy Adams).
- Orange is the New Black breakout star Laverne Cox has been tapped to play the role of Dr. Frank N. Furter, made iconic by a fishnet-stocking-ed Tim Curry in the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, in FOX’s TV remake which unlike NBC’s attempts at television musical revivals, will not be broadcast live but be filmed in advance. Seeing as Frank N. Furter is a “sweet transvestite” the casting of Cox, an outspoken trans activist, is a fascinating case of stunt casting in it of itself though it’s already earning the “hot take” treatment in some online outlets. Needless to say, I’m curious to see Cox’s take on the role, and eagerly await who director Kenny Ortega casts as Rocky Horror. Any suggestions?
- Oh, and I couldn’t not feature the gorgeous new poster for Alejandro González Iñárritu’s The Revenant.
The film, if you've followed its pre-release chatter, has already won Oscars for Leo, Chivo and potentially everyone else associated with it. (I kid! Though, not really). We were obviously impressed with the teaser trailer and so this evocative one-sheet is no surprise but by god if it’s not pretty. Perhaps a tad pretentious in that it literally defines the title for you. Though, admit it, “revenant” is not really in the vernacular. That neither Leo or Iñárritu’s name are billed anywhere in the poster is fascinating. Is it humility (“let the film speak for itself”) or hubris (“the film doesn’t need to be sold on people’s names”), or perhaps something else?
Reader Comments (15)
Nothing like having a film literally define its title for you. At least this one doesn't have the pretentious punctuation errors in the title masquerading as profundity.
The brief on Rocky Horror himself is beautiful, blond, built, and dumb. Chris Helmsworth is clearly perfect for the part.
I'm more interested in the casting of Riff Raft, who can match the perplexing glam-rock-Igor sexiness that Richard O'Brien brought?
Rhys Ifans is also a rock singer, boys and girls. There's your Riff Raff. (But no one will listen to me.)
Deborah Lipp - I can't remember, does he literally have to be blonde? I'm wondering if they'll go with more colorblind casting and cast a non-white actor (not that non-white actors can't be blond, I'm just wondering how specific the script gets about his looks).
Paul Outlaw, more people should listen to you
That poster seems to be aiming for a timeless epic western. Do we really need a "Rocky Horror" re-make? And isn't the Doctor a sweet transvestite ? If "he' is played by a woman isn't the shock value destroyed?
If "he' is played by a woman isn't the shock value destroyed?
Cox isn't a biological woman.
"Perhaps a tad pretentious in that it literally defines the title for you"
yet It doesn't come close to the sky high level of pretentiousness set by "or (the unexpected virtue of ignorance)"
Jaragon -- word is that they're updating it. They do need to change somethings. Just when people are beginning to learn the correct terminology they'll get really confused if a transgender activist is singing about being a "transvestite" as they are two very different things.
Do we need a Rocky Horror remake? Not especially, but given how often this show has been redone for the stage I'm not annoyed by it. Laverne Cox is interesting choice for obvious reasons, but also because I didn't know she could sing. Hmmm. I'd also love to see some colour blind casting in Rocky though. Could be fun.
The poster for REVENANT is gorg, but you know we'll get one soon with Leo's big ol' head floating there, too.
Cox might not be a biological woman but she looks like one-anyway that's a role that really needs an outrageous larger than life performer
...like Alan Cumming or Adam Lambert.
I really don't get the casting of Laverne Cox as Frank'N'Furter, nor do I understand the point of a remake. Let's not forget the last time FOX touched Rocky Horor *shudder* The Rocky Horror Glee Show *shudder*
Cox's casting seems bizarre mainly because of the difference between a transgender and a transvestite, as Nathaniel said, so this seems like a backward move. I really don't see how the show works as well with Frank played as a woman.
Adam Lambert YES! He has the voice and the personality.