Adam Lambert Explains Why He Turned Down Frank-N-Furter Role in Rocky Horror Remake

Fox's upcoming production of Rocky Horror Picture Show has announced an all-star cast including Laverne Cox and Adam Lambert to play the lead characters.

Orange is the New Black star Laverne Cox is set to play the lead role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, while American Idol alumn Adam Lambert will play the role of Eddie in the remake. Now, in an interview with Idolator, Lambert reveals that he previously turned down the "sweet transvestite" role in favor of the transgender activist and actress.

"I kind of felt like in 2016, to be cis and playing the role of a trans character, it felt inappropriate to me," Lambert said. "In the '70s, it was different. But nowadays we have such an amazing conversation that's started about trans and gender in this world. I think casting Laverne was so brilliant. It's so appropriate, you know what I mean?"

He added:

"It's very forward-thinking and it feels very right now, which is going to make this remake really interesting," Lambert said.

Lambert also explained that his busy touring schedule would conflict with learning the lead role, causing him to take on a smaller role.

"But [with my] schedule, [it was] just not looking likely," Lambert said. "When they started announcing the cast, I said, 'Wait a minute -- what about Eddie? I wanna play Eddie! I could do that -- that's like one song. Let me just come in and do a bit part!' Because I really, really wanted to be a part of it."

The made-for-TV remake is slated to premiere on Fox in fall 2016.