The Rocky Horror 2016 Cast: Where Are They Now? 10 Stars With Massive 2025 Projects
The 2016 television event, The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again, dared to reimagine the cult classic for a new generation, introducing a fresh, star-studded cast to the iconic roles of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Janet Weiss, and Brad Majors. Eight years later, as of December 2025, the careers of these actors have exploded across Broadway, Hollywood, and the music charts, proving their time in the Transylvanian mansion was just a launching pad for major new projects.
Directed by Kenny Ortega, the Fox musical special featured a diverse and talented ensemble, blending established pop stars with Tony Award-winning theatre veterans. The question fans are asking now is: where did the Time Warp take them next? From major streaming series to highly anticipated West End roles, this is the definitive, up-to-the-minute look at what the Rocky Horror 2016 cast is doing right now in 2025 and beyond.
The Rocky Horror 2016 Cast: Complete Biography & Role List
The 2016 cast was a strategic mix of pop culture icons and seasoned theatrical talent, giving the production its unique flavor. Here is a complete profile of the main actors who brought the bizarre world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter to life for a new audience, a true ensemble of stars who have since dominated the entertainment landscape.
- Laverne Cox as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, The Mad Scientist
- Born: May 29, 1972, Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
- Career Highlights: First openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category (for Orange Is the New Black). She is a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate and producer.
- Victoria Justice as Janet Weiss, The Heroine
- Born: February 19, 1993, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
- Career Highlights: Rose to fame as a Nickelodeon star (Victorious, Zoey 101), successfully transitioning to lead roles in film and releasing original music.
- Ryan McCartan as Brad Majors, The Hero
- Born: June 14, 1993, Excelsior, Minnesota, U.S.
- Career Highlights: Known for his roles in Disney Channel's Liv and Maddie and originating the role of J.D. in the Off-Broadway musical Heathers: The Musical.
- Adam Lambert as Eddie, The Ex-Delivery Boy
- Born: January 29, 1982, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
- Career Highlights: Runner-up on American Idol Season 8, Grammy-nominated solo artist, and the current lead vocalist for the legendary rock band Queen (Queen + Adam Lambert).
- Reeve Carney as Riff Raff, The Handyman
- Born: April 18, 1983, West Village, New York, U.S.
- Career Highlights: Originated the role of Orpheus in the Tony-winning Broadway musical Hadestown. Also starred as Dorian Gray in the Showtime series Penny Dreadful.
- Annaleigh Ashford as Columbia, The Groupie
- Born: June 25, 1985, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
- Career Highlights: Tony Award-winning actress for her performance in You Can't Take It With You and a Tony nominee for Kinky Boots and Sweeney Todd.
- Christina Milian as Magenta, The Maid
- Born: September 26, 1981, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
- Career Highlights: Platinum-selling recording artist ("Dip It Low," "AM to PM") and star of numerous romantic comedy films, particularly for Netflix.
- Staz Nair as Rocky, The Creation
- Born: June 17, 1991, London, England.
- Career Highlights: Model and actor known for playing Qhono in the HBO series Game of Thrones and for his work in Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon.
- Tim Curry as The Criminologist/Narrator
- Born: April 19, 1946, Grappenhall, England.
- Career Highlights: The original Dr. Frank-N-Furter from the 1975 film. His return to the 2016 production as the Narrator was a highly celebrated moment for fans.
- Ben Vereen as Dr. Everett Scott, The Rival Scientist
- Born: October 10, 1946, Miami, Florida, U.S.
- Career Highlights: Tony Award winner for Pippin and a five-time Tony nominee. A legendary figure in American theatre, film, and television.
The Time Warp Continues: Cast Members’ Major 2025 Projects
The success of the Rocky Horror 2016 cast has translated into phenomenal career momentum, with many of the stars landing major roles and releasing new content in late 2024 and throughout 2025. This proves that the talent assembled by director Kenny Ortega was truly a powerhouse of future stars, demonstrating incredible versatility from musical theatre to dramatic television.
Laverne Cox: From Frank-N-Furter to Prime Video Comedy
Laverne Cox, whose casting as Dr. Frank-N-Furter was a groundbreaking moment for transgender representation in a mainstream production, has maintained an incredibly busy schedule. In January 2025, she is set to star in the new Prime Video comedy series, Clean Slate, alongside George Wallace. The series is anticipated to blend humor with important social commentary, continuing Cox’s work in tackling social issues within the trans community. Furthermore, her status as a cultural icon was cemented when she was announced as the host for the Billboard Women in Music 2025 event. She is also slated to star in Angel Studios' adaptation of George Orwell's classic novel, Animal Farm.
Broadway and West End Dominance: McCartan, Ashford, and Carney
The theatrical roots of the cast are flourishing in 2025. Ryan McCartan, who played the straight-laced Brad Majors, is making a significant return to the stage. He is joining the Broadway cast of The Great Gatsby, taking on the pivotal role of Nick Carraway starting January 21, 2025. Meanwhile, the Emmy and Tony-winning Annaleigh Ashford (Columbia) is also returning to her Broadway home, with a new starring role confirmed for a 2025 production. On the television front, Ashford is starring opposite Dennis Quaid in the new TV series Happy Face in 2025.
Reeve Carney, the charismatic Riff Raff, is also crossing the Atlantic for a major stage role. Carney, along with his fiancée Eva Noblezada, is joining the West End production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in London, beginning in September 2025.
Pop Stars and Streaming Leads: Justice, Lambert, and Milian
The pop and film careers of other cast members are also seeing major updates. Victoria Justice (Janet Weiss) is balancing both acting and music in 2025. She stars in the movie California King, a comedy co-starring Joel McHale, which is due out in 2025. Justice also confirmed a new music release for October 2025.
Adam Lambert (Eddie) continues his prolific music career. He is preparing for the release of his new EP, Afters, slated for July 2025. Additionally, he is collaborating with Andrew Lloyd Webber for a studio recording of "Heaven on Their Minds." Christina Milian (Magenta) is maintaining her status as a streaming favorite, with an upcoming Netflix Christmas rom-com confirmed for 2025, continuing her successful partnership with the platform.
Updates on the Rest of the Transylvanian Crew
Staz Nair, who played the muscular creation Rocky, is an actor to watch. He was honored with the Trailblazer Award at the 2025 ACTAs for redefining South Asian representation. Nair continues his work in major franchise films, having starred in Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon. Legendary actor Ben Vereen (Dr. Everett Scott) remains active in the theatre world, with plans to direct Stephanie Pope in a performance at 54 Below in September 2025. He is also teaching online master classes and is set to appear in the upcoming series The Gray House.
The Legacy and Critical Reception of the 2016 Remake
The decision to remake the 1975 cult classic was always going to be controversial among dedicated fans, and the 2016 revival, Let's Do the Time Warp Again, received a mixed critical reception. The production was praised for its visually dynamic direction by Kenny Ortega, known for *High School Musical* and *Hocus Pocus*, and for the energy of its young cast.
However, the film faced criticism, particularly for its attempt to replicate the unique, interactive experience of the original midnight movie screenings. Critics pointed to the inclusion of "canned audience participation" as a major flaw, suggesting it detracted from the spontaneous and anarchic spirit of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Despite this, the casting was widely celebrated, with many praising Victoria Justice's performance as Janet Weiss as "fantastic" and Laverne Cox's bold take on Dr. Frank-N-Furter as a highlight of the production.
Tim Curry’s Triumphant Return
The most touching and celebrated element of the 2016 special was the involvement of the original Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Tim Curry, who returned to serve as the Narrator/Criminologist. Curry's appearance was a triumphant comeback after he suffered a major stroke in 2012. His presence lent an air of legitimacy and respect to the remake, connecting the new version directly to the beloved original film. Curry continues to work, primarily focusing on voice acting projects, and remains an inspiring figure to fans globally.
Ultimately, the 2016 version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show may not have replaced the original in the hearts of purists, but it successfully introduced the wild, boundary-pushing musical to a new generation. More importantly, it showcased the phenomenal talent of a cast that has since become a dominant force in modern entertainment, with their 2025 projects proving the Time Warp has truly launched them into the future.
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