Dirty Dancing Sequel With Jennifer Grey

Dirty Dancing Sequel: Jonathan Levine, director of the comedies “Long Shot” and “50/50,” is bringing his talents to the Catskills.

Lionsgate has engaged him to direct a follow-up to 1987’s “Dirty Dancing,” with Jennifer Grey reprising her iconic role as Frances “Baby” Houseman. There’s no information on whether she’ll be seated in a corner.

Levine was previously involved in the production as a producer before assuming the director’s chair. He also collaborated with Elizabeth Chomko on the writing. The sequel, also titled “Dirty Dancing,” is set to begin production later this year, with a 2024 release date. International sales will begin in Cannes later this month.

In 2020, Lionsgate stated that a new “Dirty Dancing” film was in the works. Little is known about the following part, but Levine has hinted that it will use music from the first film as well as hip-hop from the 1990s. Patrick Swayze, who played Grey’s love interest in the original, died in 2009. The directors, on the other hand, are in talks with Swayze’s estate about including the actor’s presence in some form. More cast members have yet to be revealed.

In a statement, Levine said, “While the original ‘Dirty Dancing’ has always been one of my favourite films, I never anticipated I would helm the sequel.” “I fell in love with the characters (new and old) while co-writing it, as well as the world of 1990s Catskills New York and the music, which will vary from songs from the original film to ’90s hip-hop.” I’m looking forward to working with Jennifer to bring this lovely narrative of summer, romance, and dance to a new generation of readers. And to the regulars, I assure you that we will not damage your youth. We’ll approach the task with sophistication, ambition, and, most importantly, love. “

“Snatched,” starring Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn, “The Night Before,” “Warm Bodies,” and the Hulu miniseries “Nine Perfect Strangers” are among Levine’s other credits.

Grey will executive produce the sequel in addition to reprising her role as Baby.

“Dirty Dancing” is Lionsgate’s best-selling library item, according to the company. Grey stars as a young woman who falls in love with a dance instructor named Jonny Castle (Swayze) at Kellerman’s resort in the Catskills, directed by Emile Ardolino. “Dirty Dancing” entrenched the term “Nobody puts Baby in a Corner” in the popular vernacular, making $214 million at the box office and winning an Oscar for best original song. The film’s sole Academy Award and Grammy Award went to the 11th-act musical number “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” which is now a popular song at bar mitzvahs, weddings, and other major celebratory parties.

Given its popularity, the new film isn’t the first time “Dirty Dancing” has been mined in the past 35 years. “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,” a prequel, was released to little acclaim in 2004. In 2017, Abigail Breslin and Colt Prattes starred in a made-for-TV version.

“‘Dirty Dancing’ is more than a film—it’s a cultural icon that remains a rite of passage,” Lionsgate’s head of production Erin Westerman explains. “As we approached the following chapter, we realised we had to respect the original’s depth, relevancy, and ferocity.” We’ve been fortunate to have Jennifer as our guide, and we’re ecstatic to have Jonathan at the helm, since everything he creates is textured and romantic-he always gives us goosebumps. “

The announcement of Levine’s employment was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.

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