New Rocky Horror Promo Features Ben Vereen in Fishnets

The more footage and promotional material released, the more I get excited about FOX’s “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” reboot premiering October 20th.

The two-hour special stars Laverne Cox in the iconic role of transvestite mad scientist and sexual psychopath Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Broadway veteran Ben Vereen also stars as Dr. Everett Scott, Frank’s paraplegic arch-rival. Kenny Ortega (“High School Musical,” “Hocus Pocus”) directs.

With a rock score by Richard O’Brien, the story centers on newly-engaged sweethearts Brad Majors, played by Ryan McCartan, and Janet Weiss, played by Victoria Justice. After getting stuck with a flat tire on a stormy night, they stumble upon the castle of Frank-N-Furter.

Throughout the evening, the lovers encounter a variety of eccentric characters, lose their sexual innocence, and meet Frank’s new Adonis creation — Rocky Horror, portrayed by Staz Nair — built to serve as his sexual companion.

FOX released a brand new promo trailer with far more footage:

We get to hear Ivy Levan as the Usherette croon the opening number, “Science Fiction, Double Feature.” And the new film seems to honor the spirit of the original by having “Damn It, Janet,” Brad’s proposal, take place at a funeral.

We see a lot more of the “Time Warp,” featuring Reeve Carney as Riff-Raff, Christina Milian as Magenta, and Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford, decked out in leather studs and a frilly pink/blue/purple tutu, as Columbia.

Cox appears to channel Beyoncé and Tina Turner in the “Floor Show,” wearing a golden get-up with flowing, blonde hair. Speaking of, this preview of “Sweet Transvestite,” where Cox slinks about like some Grace Jones/David Bowie hybrid, has put to rest any doubts I had about her voice — I mean, that bass baritone! And I’m loving the trio of backup singers.

The trailer also features a lot more of Adam Lambert as Eddie singing “Hot Patootie.” I’m sure most who know Lambert and his range can expect him to sing the hell out of that number.

But can we also talk about Ben Vereen in fishnets? Ben Vereen in fishnets, for the love of God! It’s a quick shot, and I’ve damaged the pause button enough, but Ben Vereen in fishnets!

The cast, along with executive producer Lou Adler, visited TCA, where they discussed the upcoming TV film, the fan reactions and backlash, and Tim Curry.

The original Rocky Horror legend, who returns to the musical as the Criminologist, gave his blessing to this revival, having gone as far as offering himself to play Dr. Scott: “Because I was already in a wheelchair, but they thought Narrator was a better fit and I enjoyed it a lot.”

In his first major role, Curry starred in the original The Rocky Horror Show stage musical and the subsequent 1975 film adaptation as Frank.

This throwback to early sci-fi films has gone on to spark multiple international stage adaptations, parodies, and is still screened in theaters today as part of a “midnight showing.”

Fans dress up as the characters, sing, and dance, and call back to the screen, while “shadowcasts” act out the movie in front. Those new to the Rocky Horror experience — “virgins” — go through an initiation (almost like Brad and Janet in the film). As an homage to the fans, the new reboot will feature an interactive audience doing “callbacks.”

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” airs on FOX, October 20th, 8PM.