"Rocky Horror" Ending Debate Rages On as 50th Anniversary Nears

As the cult classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show" approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, a longstanding debate over the film's ending is reigniting. Screenwriter Richard O'Brien, who also played the role of Riff Raff, recently revealed that he may have contributed to the decades-long misinterpretation of the film's conclusion.

O'Brien wrote the original stage musical in 1973, and when the film adaptation premiered in 1975, he wanted to prevent audience members from leaving before the finale. However, the studio ended up cutting both Brad and Janet's songs, including the melancholy "Super Heroes" number. This more somber version was replaced with a more upbeat reprise of "The Time Warp" during the credits, which is the version that gained popularity in the U.S.

Both O'Brien and the film's director, Jim Sharman, prefer the original ending. Sharman believes there was "studio tinkering" to give the film a more conventional movie ending, which he argues is "impossible" for a film like "Rocky Horror." The debate over the two versions continues as the 50th anniversary approaches in 2025.

In the years since its release, "Rocky Horror" has become a beloved cult classic, with devoted fans attending midnight screenings and participating in interactive rituals. However, the film has also faced criticism in recent years, with some taking issue with its language and politics. As the franchise enters its next 50 years, it faces the challenge of maintaining its legacy while also addressing these concerns.