Brennin Hunt, who plays Roger in Fox's January 27 live broadcast of Rent, sustained an injury in the final stretch of a dress rehearsal January 26. The network released a statement hours before the 8PM airtime ensuring that the cast and creative team "is dedicated to ensuring that tonight's broadcast must, and will, go on," though the level of Hunt's involvement is not yet clear.
As was the case with Fox's 2016 production of Grease, the rehearsal—which featured a live audience—was recorded in the event of an injury or technical mishap; portions of this footage may be used in the January 27 broadcast in light of the incident.
Hunt rolled his ankle in the final half hour of the January 26 run-through, finishing the final scene (including Roger's climactic song "Your Eyes") seated on the central table used in several scenes.
"This new cast has embodied the spirit of the show from day one and they embraced Brennin with positive and uplifting love in his moment of need," said Julie Larson, sister of the show's late composer, Jonathan Larson. "Rent has always been about resilience and community. I speak from my heart when I say that we have a spectacular show for you tonight. We can’t wait for a new generation to experience Jonathan’s legacy."
Joining Hunt in the production, helmed by the show's original director Michael Greif and live television director Alex Rudzinski, are Jordan Fisher, Tinashe, Brandon Victor Dixon, Vanessa Hudgens, Kiersey Clemons, Valentina, and Mario.