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Rocky Horror Picture Show Remake and Hairspray 2 Coming

July 24, 2008
by Kevin Powers

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Two projects that I'm sure most never thought about before are today making headlines. Outlets are reporting, despite any overt interest I've come across personally, that a remake of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show and a sequel to 2007's Hairspray will bow at the big screen next year. Why and why? Worse still, these projects have a tinge of credibility considering those involved. MTV is behind the Rocky Horror remake, while John Waters himself is set to write the "treatment" for the Hairspray sequel. Again, why? These are two projects that have left me totally befuddled. Please let all the Comic-Con coverage bury this musical madness quickly!

If you think about it (and we have to now), a Hairspray sequel isn't completely out of left field considering the success of last year's film and the likability of Nikki Blonsky. However, John Waters' original story has existed for nearly 20 years without being exploited and extended into sequel territory. Not only that, none of the cast have options for a sequel as of yet. So why now? If you guessed money, you get two points. Director-choreographer of the 2007 movie, Adam Shankman, told Variety: "I never thought of musicals as franchises, but it certainly worked with High School Musical, and the idea of working with that cast again, and creating new material and music, is a dream come true. John [Waters] has such an original and extraordinary voice; we all can’t wait to see what he has come up with." Whatever happened to Polyester/Pecker/Dirty Shame days of John Waters? Adapting his material for the original Hairspray was enough, but this news makes me downright sad.

As for The Rocky Horror Picture Show remake, talk about horror. No one should be touching this classic, especially MTV! Lou Adler, executive producer of the 1975 original, is actually involved (if you can believe it), and the film will "use the original screenplay but may also include music not featured in the original." I can only guess that maybe the higher-ups thought remaking the sci-fi/horror musical comedy might similarly align with recent musical movie successes, such as Hairspray or Mamma Mia!. Or, perhaps the upcoming Repo! The Genetic Opera and eventual theatrical debut of High School Musical 3 gave them some false idea that the time was right. Whatever the reason, it's a bad decision. Is this as frustrating and sad for you as well? Are musicals getting out of control?

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Reader Feedback - 44 Comments »

1

Seriously, Rocky Horror Picture Show remake?

F*** you Hollywood, just F*** you

interl0per on Jul 24, 2008

2

I will never be interested in a Rocky Horror remake. That's pure bullshit. Another thing for Hollywood to fuck up…….Give me a break.

Obiwopkenobi on Jul 24, 2008

3

Why Remake a movie that was perfect the first time??????? No one can fill the shoes of the original cast….. BAD IDEA

Albertv69 on Jul 24, 2008

4

"No one should be touching this classic, especially MTV!"

No-one _is_ 'touching this classic'. They're making another film based on the same source. They're not going out to video stores, ransacking people's houses and removing every copy of the original from existence. Get a grip, people. You… don't… have… to… go… see… it… when… it's… done!

Chris on Jul 24, 2008

5

What is Hairspray 2 going to be about? I don't think it's going to be good no matter what they do.

Nettle on Jul 24, 2008

6

Wikipedia says:

"It has been reported that MTV is planning to remake The Rocky Horror Picture show. [30] According to Variety the network is planning a 2 hour long remake that is based on the original screenplay, and will feature songs not included in the original. No cast has been announced but it is anticipated to be released sometime during Halloween 2009."

If that isn't taking a big crap all over the name Rocky Horror Picture Show I don't know what is.

Nettle on Jul 24, 2008

7

These are both horrible ideas, but Rocky Horror more so than Hairspray.

I love going to midnight Rocky Horror shows. The people who also go love it probably more than I do. The people acting in the shadow show even more than them.

I can't imagine how upset these people will be to have someone try and remake something that has become such a cult classic. It's taken on its own life, far beyond the reaches of any movie studio, director, or producer. It's not that Rocky Horror Picture Show is the most amazing feat in cinematic history…but it would be like remaking the Princess Bride or a Monty Python movie…just not a good idea.

I also hope they cancel this project. That money could go toward a much better use.

Squeak on Jul 24, 2008

8

Well i'll go see it as long as they bring back meatloaf

dac_fan on Jul 24, 2008

9

I am happy they are re-making Rock Horror, you wanna know why? Because I absolutely hated that movie. Guys dressing in Drag!?!?!? WTF!?!??! I am glad true fans of this "classic" are getting mad/sad/angry. Not only that, but I hope they do a HORRIBLE job on the remake and royally F**K it up!!!!!

SteveDawg on Jul 24, 2008

10

God < Meatloaf

P.S. I would do anything for love

But I won't do that…

By I won't do that, I mean i will never bring myself to see this god forsaken movie, I'd rather vomit on the ground scoop it back up swallow it and vomit one last time before ever sitting in a theater to hairspray 2

Nick on Jul 24, 2008

11

Not a big Rocky Horror fan, but this is a very bad idea. The movie is a cult classic…no, it is THE cult classic. The attachment to the film is not that it was any good, it is that it is so bad. The fandom is attached to the actors and the camp* of the film. Remaking The Rocky Horror Picture Show is not a good way to please the rabid fanbase. It could give the original film a surge in midnight showings again.

*Camp is a type of gay aesthetic that is ironic and over-the-top. "Guys in drag" is part of it. If you are homophobic you aren't going to like it. Then again if you're homophobic you need to ask yourself why you are. Just saying.

Goudos on Jul 24, 2008

12

man this Rocky Horror remake is going to go over like a fart in church.

wm on Jul 24, 2008

13

I have a feeling that not many are going to show up for the remake - from what I've seen, people either love or loathe RHPS - and for the most part, the ones who love it won't go because it won't be the same, and the ones who loathe it won't go because… well, they loathe it.

I don't see this doing well, and I really hope they don't continue this idea.

Lone on Jul 24, 2008

14

I cant believe it…is it that the current crop of writers/directors/producers and general Hollywood big-wigs are so bereft, talentless and unimaginative that all they can do is constantly look for classic films to remake/re-imagine and hope that the rest of us will actually think the steaming lump of sh*t they throw out there will actually be any good??? Hollywood in general is brain dead/ massively retarded….I give up…

moldybread on Jul 24, 2008

15

Utter BULLSH@T! A Rocky Horror remake?!?!?!? There can be only one! And thats the original. What next? A Clockwork Orange remake? SH@T! I probably just gave them a new idea!

Brian on Jul 25, 2008

16

If they make a new THRPS, it should be a new adaptation of the original masterpiece by Richard O'Brian, one of the best literary works I've ever encountered. It should be re-presented as the deep, artistic masterpiece it is. (And it is. It has so much symbolism and social/philosophic criticism it's astounding. Unfortunately, idiots like #9 are too dim-witted to understand that.)

An Cat Dubh on Jul 25, 2008

17

I can't believe this…

SillySil on Jul 25, 2008

18

As a giant fan of RHPS, I am deeply appalled by this news. I think this just made me ill, especially with MTV involved.

Stephanie on Jul 25, 2008

19

'these projects have a tinge of credibility considering those involved. MTV is behind the Rocky Horror remake…"

MTV's involvement in NO WAY instills any credibility whatsoever to ANY project.

kevjohn on Jul 25, 2008

20

I wish I knew of a way to make MTV realize how terrible of an idea this BS is with the RHPS… well, something that will not get me arrested that is. :-)

Too bad that MTV thinks this is a good idea, How can an actor even sign on to this in their right mind? Gonna be a bunch of no name teenie-bops that HAVE NEVER SEEN THE ORIGINAL and probably never had the balls to go to a LIVE presentation of it.

Dusty on Jul 25, 2008

21

What the hell Hollywood? MTV … you already destroyed your own Music Television station will all the crap shows.

All I can say is … to remake the RHPS … sad man, just sad. :(

2 thumbs down!

Steven Jr on Jul 25, 2008

22

teens will eat this shite up though.
im excited for it, just cuz im curious.
if your upset because your loyal to the original, why? just dont have anything to do with it!
just remain loyal to the original.
but i think all the teens and young adults will LOVE it.

scarlett on Jul 25, 2008

23

you just cant no one can replace Tim Curry!!! this is a classic you just cant do it!!! don't let this happen!!! nnnnnnnnnnoooooooooooooooooooo

regular frankie fan on Jul 25, 2008

24

Will it have Marilyn Manson?
This movie will be balls.
The original was perfect for what it was.

I think the film industry has become like the music industry, just recycling rubbish over and over because it's familiar, until it's all blended up and everything looks the same.

Crapola on Jul 25, 2008

25

At least they can't fuck up Rocky Horror, it already sucked balls.

Calvin on Jul 26, 2008

26

LEAVE ROCKY HORROR ALOOOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!!!

PLEASE!!!!!

Laura on Jul 26, 2008

27

Both these ideas are bad. Musical franchises are certainly an intresting idea, but HAIRSPRAY, really???? These aren't movies that need sequels.

Ryan on Jul 26, 2008

28

OK, OK, OK, . . . Isn't all this bitching alittle much? Yes, the original cast and their chemistry is one of the things that helped make this cult classic and it's characters iconic. And I have heard the cries of SACRILEGE shouted from the rooftops. But give it a chance. You have the original executive producers (this includes Richard O' Brien) behind it. Are you forgetting that Mr. Riff Raff himself was also one of the writers of the original screenplay, and one of the writers of the original score? If he's involved I'm frankly not too worried. Especially since they are keeping with the original screenplay. Yes they've promised new music not in the original movie. SO! I hope that they've been touched with the genius that the original score was blessed with. And as for MTV footing the bill on this one alot of you have asked if they have nothing better to do such as showing music videos. Well honestly I think that they are a good match for this they are a company that specializes itself with music. What better partner to produce a MUSICAL!!!!!!!! I say that if movie houses are smart when this comes out they will do a special double feature showing the original first then show the remake or vice-versa and make the original a midnight showing and allow audience participation for both. That would be good enough to satisfy the fans curiosity and give them a reward for their tolerance if they muck it up too badly. And I will note this in closing that the two hardest characters to cast will be Riff Raff and Eddie.

Goddess Astrola on Aug 5, 2008

29

I REFUSE TO LET THEM DESTROY ROCKY HORROR!! THERE IS A GROUP OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH A PETITION TO STOP THIS BLASPHEMY!! ITS ONLY POPULAR BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT ITS CAMPY AND CULT!! SO ANYONE WHO AREAS WITH ME HERE IS THE PETITION BELOW TO STOP THIS MADNESS!! ITS BEEN GOING AROUND MYSPACE. YOU CAN GO TO



Jaybear on Aug 7, 2008

30

THE WEBSITE I PUT UP DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR THE PETITION SO I'M GOING TO POST IT AGAIN. I'M IN CAPS BECAUSE I'M ANGRY BTW. LOL.

http://Www.stoptheremake.com

Jaybear on Aug 7, 2008

31

Oh, btw for number 28 I hate to say it, but MTV hasn't played music videos in almost 10 years. Its now strictly reality tv shows. Its a shame though.

Jaybear on Aug 7, 2008

32

Again the petition to stop the rocky horror picture show remake is stoptheremake.com

Jaybear on Aug 7, 2008

33

What in the name of God is Hollywood thinking doing a remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show?? This has got to stop!!

Rich on Aug 8, 2008

34

The thought of a Rocky Horror Picture show makes me sick the original was so awesome and noone could ever do it as good as them so they should just stop

Mikaela on Aug 8, 2008

35

If you don't want this, act now. Sign the petition. Save The Lips

http://Www.stoptheremake.com

Matt on Aug 9, 2008

36

What's the big deal about remaking Rocky Horror Picture Show? I mean there's a good chance it will be bad, but why not give it a chance? I'm excited to see it.

Courtney on Aug 10, 2008

37

If there is any criticism for this and similar efforts is the fact that these 'remakes' always involve people outside the original material. In this case though its a bit different because on both films people that gave the films a soul are involved.

I actually talked to some ppl in video rentals (I know this is only anecdotal but…), and after the remake of Hair Spray, there were some awareness and they saw higher rentals of the low rental original Hair Spray and any way one looks at it, this is a good thing (the higher exposure to the original film).

Aside from this, if the remakes make money to the original creator, which one would hope would give them financial security for futher productions then this is even better.

That being said, it is a shame that uncaring big executives will be making money out of the exploitation of such good films.

Carlos on Aug 13, 2008

38

OM MOTHA FUCKING G NO NO NO new swong in the RHPS this can't be, there going to fuck it up i hate this shit and hairspray 2 granted i did like the movie but wtf fuck are they going to make this moive about amber getting revenge on tracy and a musical score i don't think sooo

RaVen on Aug 13, 2008

39

omg hairspray 2?
wtf…seriously?? biggest blunder..i mean what more can happen..just leave it as is.
god and dont get me started on RHPS.
like why cant hollywood juat leave the fuckign classics ALONE
who the hell are they thinking of casting.
no one will be as up to par as the original of course.
fucking tweens everywhere will be flocking to the theaters dressed up acting like complete idiots.
UGH i can see them marketing rh merchandise at freaking hot topic =(

jasmine on Aug 15, 2008

40

okay i love R.H.P.S and i think it is the a good idea but only if they keep it the same and just do it a little better if thats possible but i know i will go and see it

samantha on Aug 16, 2008

41

okay let me add to what i just cause im watching RHPS right now and i dont know about making a new one cause there is no one who can be frankin ferturer but tim that part was made for him

samantha on Aug 16, 2008

42

Part of the fan base behind RHPS is the fact that it's a 70s cult film! What do they hope to accomplish by remaking it? Other than pissing off the thousands of people who already worship the film??

No one, I repeat, NO ONE!!! could replace tim curry as frank-n-furter! and who would want to try already knowing the HUGE (and incredibly high-heeled) stilettos they have to fill!

Johen on Aug 17, 2008

43

Remaking RHPS huh? Wonder how pissed the first run theaters are going to be when people start shouting at the movie and throwing stuff at the screen.

MydniteSon on Aug 20, 2008

44

Rocky Horror Show will be awesome cause Russell Brands gonna play the tranny! :)

xoxoxo

hannahlyons on Aug 24, 2008

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