The Rocky Horror 2016 Cast: Where Are The Transylvanians Now? (Updated 2025)
The 2016 television event, The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again, was a bold attempt to reimagine the beloved cult classic for a new generation. Airing on Fox, this musical telefilm introduced a fresh ensemble of actors to the iconic roles of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Janet Weiss, and Brad Majors, with the immense challenge of living up to the 1975 original. Directed by Kenny Ortega, known for his work on the High School Musical and Descendants franchises, the production aimed to honor the source material while bringing a contemporary sparkle to the gothic, gender-bending fun.
As of December 2025, nearly a decade after its premiere, curiosity about the cast’s current careers is at an all-time high. From a groundbreaking Broadway star to a major Hollywood activist and a pop music sensation, the performers who dared to step into the shoes of the original Transylvanians have certainly kept busy. This deep dive reveals the full cast and provides the latest, most current updates on what the stars of the 2016 remake are doing now.
The Full Rocky Horror 2016 Cast and Character Guide
The 2016 Fox production, officially titled The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again, featured a mix of established television stars, Broadway veterans, and music industry talent.
- Dr. Frank-N-Furter, The Scientist: Laverne Cox
- Janet Weiss, The Heroine: Victoria Justice
- Brad Majors, The Hero: Ryan McCartan
- The Criminologist, The Narrator: Tim Curry
- Riff Raff, The Handyman: Reeve Carney
- Magenta, The Maid: Christina Milian
- Columbia, The Groupie: Annaleigh Ashford
- Eddie, The Ex-Delivery Boy: Adam Lambert
- Rocky, The Creation: Staz Nair
- The Usherette: Ivy Levan
The inclusion of Tim Curry, the original Dr. Frank-N-Furter from the 1975 film, as the Narrator was a highly celebrated decision, bridging the gap between the two generations of the Rocky Horror phenomenon.
Where Are the Key Cast Members Now? (2025 Career Updates)
The core cast members of the 2016 TV film have gone on to forge significant careers across television, Broadway, and music, proving that their stint at the Frankenstein Place was just one stop on their journey. The following are the most recent updates on their projects and professional lives as of late 2025.
Laverne Cox (Dr. Frank-N-Furter)
Laverne Cox's casting as the mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter was a historic moment, making her one of the most prominent transgender actors to take on the role. Since 2016, her career has only accelerated, solidifying her status as an Emmy-nominated actress and a major equal rights advocate.
Recent and Upcoming Projects (2024-2025):
- Film & Television: Cox is set to star in the Angel Studios' remake of George Orwell's classic novel, Animal Farm, showcasing her continued presence in major film projects.
- Stage & Activism: She continues to produce and star in personal projects, including a raw and intimate one-woman show that has toured major cities. Her role as a producer and activist remains central to her public life.
- Public Appearances: In mid-2025, she was a notable attendee at the Fragrance Foundation Awards in New York, maintaining a high profile in fashion and entertainment circles.
Reeve Carney (Riff Raff)
Reeve Carney, who played the dedicated handyman Riff Raff, has deep roots in musical theater and rock music, which he has successfully leveraged in his post-Rocky Horror career. His portrayal of the character was praised for its intensity and vocal power.
Recent and Upcoming Projects (2024-2025):
- Broadway Stardom: Carney is best known for originating the lead role of Orpheus in the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Hadestown, a role for which he received widespread recognition.
- West End/Stage: He is scheduled to join the cast of the legendary musical Cabaret in London and New York for its 2025 run, often alongside his Hadestown co-star, Eva Noblezada, highlighting his continued success in the theater world.
- Biopic Role: Carney is slated to play the late, iconic singer Jeff Buckley in an upcoming biopic, a role that perfectly marries his acting and musical talents.
Victoria Justice (Janet Weiss) and Ryan McCartan (Brad Majors)
The duo who played the central "straights," Janet Weiss and Brad Majors, both came from prominent backgrounds in Nickelodeon and Disney Channel productions, respectively. Their roles in Rocky Horror marked a pivot to more mature, genre-bending material.
Victoria Justice's Latest:
- Music Career: Justice has dedicated significant time to developing her music career, releasing new singles and EPs while reflecting on her journey from her Nickelodeon days on shows like Zoey 101 and Victorious.
- Acting Roles: She continues to act in films, including the 2023 Netflix thriller The Tutor, balancing her singing and acting pursuits.
Ryan McCartan's Latest:
- Musical Theater: McCartan is well-known in the musical theater community, having starred as Jason "J.D." Dean in the original off-Broadway production of Heathers: The Musical.
- Television: He is still recognized for his recurring role as Diggie on the Disney Channel sitcom Liv and Maddie, maintaining a connection to his family-friendly roots while pursuing diverse stage and screen roles.
The Remake's Legacy: Cult Status and Controversy
Any remake of a beloved "cult classic" like The Rocky Horror Picture Show is bound to face intense scrutiny, and the 2016 version was no exception. The production, which aired in October 2016, immediately sparked debate among the original film's devoted fanbase.
The Challenge of the Shadow Cast Tradition
One of the most unique aspects of the 1975 film is its enduring tradition of "shadow casts"—live performers acting out the movie in sync with the screen, often with audience participation. The 2016 version attempted to incorporate this element by featuring a live audience within the telefilm itself, shouting out traditional callbacks and interacting with the on-screen action.
While some critics appreciated the effort to acknowledge the midnight-showing phenomenon, others felt the remake was too polished, resembling a filmed stage musical rather than the raw, low-budget, and anarchic energy of the original. This "filmed stage musical" aesthetic, coupled with a line-for-line recreation of the original script, led to mixed reviews.
The Impact of Laverne Cox's Casting
The most significant and positive shift was the casting of Laverne Cox, a Black transgender woman, as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. This choice amplified the themes of gender fluidity and sexual liberation inherent in Richard O'Brien's original work, giving the character a fresh, modern relevance. Cox's performance was widely praised as the highlight of the production, injecting a new level of glamour and theatricality into the role.
Ultimately, The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again stands as a fascinating and controversial piece of television history. It successfully introduced the "Time Warp" and the Transylvanians to a new generation of viewers, while its talented cast has since proven their staying power across various major entertainment platforms.
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