Barry Bostwick Says He and Susan Sarandon Were ‘Strangers in a Strange Land’ Both On “and” Off Screen in “Rocky Horror”

Barry Bostwick Shares Insights on “Rocky Horror” Collaboration with Susan Sarandon

Barry Bostwick, known for his role in the iconic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” recently opened up about his experience working alongside Susan Sarandon and why they were the perfect fit for their respective roles in the cult classic. As the film celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sept. 26, Bostwick reflected on the unique dynamic between him and Sarandon both on and off the screen.

The two actors, who portrayed Brad Majors and Janet Weiss in the film, discussed their journey of joining the cast in the documentary, “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror.” Bostwick revealed that he initially hesitated to be a part of the production but expressed his interest in being considered for a movie adaptation. Sarandon, on the other hand, was eager to audition for the project despite some initial reservations from her agents.

Casting director Joel Thurm believed that Brad Majors was custom-made for Bostwick, praising his singing abilities, appearance, and all-American charm. Thurm found a clever way to include Sarandon in the audition process by inviting her along with Bostwick and subtly encouraging her to read for the role of Janet. This strategic move eventually led to Sarandon securing the part, much to the surprise of both Bostwick and Sarandon herself.

Sarandon resonated with the character of Janet, seeing her as a satirical take on traditional ingénue roles she had played before. Bostwick humorously recalled a moment during auditions when he thought the spotlight was on him, only to realize that Sarandon had already been selected for the role. Despite initial hesitations from Sarandon’s team, she ultimately joined the cast, marking the beginning of a successful collaboration.

The filming of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” took place in England, where the original stage production debuted in 1973. The storyline follows the journey of Brad and Janet, a conservative couple who encounter the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his creation, Rocky, at a mysterious castle. Bostwick described the experience as being akin to “strangers in a strange land,” highlighting the contrast between the cast members who had previous stage experience and those who were new to the production.

Richard O’Brien, the writer of the screenplay and actor in the film, praised Sarandon and Bostwick for seamlessly integrating into the existing world of “Rocky Horror.” The documentary, “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror,” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and the interplay between the cast members. The film’s milestone anniversary has brought renewed interest in the beloved cult classic, resonating with both longtime fans and new audiences.

As the legacy of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” endures, the unique chemistry between Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon continues to captivate viewers. Their collaboration on the film remains a testament to their talent and versatility as actors, further solidifying their places in cinematic history. The documentary offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the scenes and sheds light on the enduring appeal of a film that has stood the test of time.