Luke Evans to Star as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Broadway Revival of "Rocky Horror Picture Show"

In a major announcement that has electrified Broadway and LGBTQ+ circles alike, Luke Evans—renowned for his charismatic turn as Gaston in Disney’s 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast—has been cast as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the upcoming Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The production, helmed by award-winning director Sam Pinkleton, marks Evans’s first appearance on Broadway and ushers in a new era for the beloved musical, which has long been a cornerstone of queer representation in theater .

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is no stranger to reinvention. Since its debut in 1973, Richard O’Brien’s campy, transgressive musical has achieved cult status, spawning a film adaptation, midnight screenings, and countless stage revivals. Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania,” is one of the most iconic gender-nonconforming characters in modern theater .

Evans’s casting brings both star power and personal resonance to the role. As an openly gay actor who has spoken candidly about his experiences and advocacy, Evans’s presence is a milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility on the Broadway stage—a space historically significant for queer artists and audiences alike .

Director Sam Pinkleton, known for his innovative and inclusive approach to musical theater, emphasized that this revival aims to honor the radical spirit of the original while introducing the story to a new generation. “Rocky Horror has always been about embracing difference and celebrating the outsiders,” Pinkleton said in a statement released by the production team. “With Luke, we have a performer who brings authenticity, charisma, and a deep understanding of what this story means to so many people” .

The production is expected to incorporate both classic elements—the show’s signature rock score and campy humor—and contemporary sensibilities, with an emphasis on inclusivity and queer joy. The creative team is reportedly assembling a cast and crew that reflects the diverse identities celebrated in the show’s fandom .

The casting of Evans as Dr. Frank-N-Furter is significant not only for Broadway but for the wider LGBTQ+ community. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has long been embraced as a safe space for LGBTQ+ audiences, with its themes of gender fluidity, chosen family, and resistance to societal norms .

Evans, who has spoken about the importance of living authentically in the public eye, told media outlets: “For so many of us, Rocky Horror was a doorway to self-acceptance and freedom. It’s an honor to bring Frank-N-Furter to life on Broadway and celebrate what makes us different” .

LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have praised the production for its commitment to onstage representation, noting that openly queer performers in leading roles can have a profound impact on visibility and acceptance, particularly for young people exploring their own identities .

As anticipation builds for the revival, theatergoers and Rocky Horror fans await further casting announcements and production details. The show is set to begin previews in the spring of 2026, with a gala opening planned for Pride Month. Producers have indicated that special performances and talkbacks will highlight the show’s legacy within LGBTQ+ culture, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to join in the celebration .

The revival’s marketing campaign emphasizes community and self-expression, inviting audiences to “come as you are” and participate in the traditions that have made Rocky Horror an enduring phenomenon on stage and screen .

For Evans, this role represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity to honor the trailblazing legacy of LGBTQ+ performers who have made Broadway a haven for queer expression. Theater critics and cultural commentators note that this revival arrives at a time when issues of representation, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of public discourse in the arts .

As Broadway continues to recover from the challenges of recent years and reassert its place as a cultural touchstone, the return of Rocky Horror—led by an out LGBTQ+ actor—signals a renewed commitment to bold storytelling and the celebration of all identities.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s Broadway revival, with Luke Evans at its center, stands poised to be not only a theatrical event but a landmark moment in LGBTQ+ cultural history.