- Film And TV
- 10 May 22
The Lionsgate production will be directed by Jonathon Levine and is set to be released in 2024.
The long-awaited Dirty Dancing sequel will be directed by Warm Bodies and 50/50 director Jonathon Levine.
Jennifer Grey is set to return to her role of Frances “Baby” Houseman who finds herself once again returning to Kellerman's, this time in the '90s, according to Deadline.
“While the original Dirty Dancing has always been one of my favourite films, I never imagined I would direct the sequel,” Levine said.
With iconic music at the forefront of the original, the sequel will bring back fan favourites, including “Hungry Eyes,” and in theme with the new decade, 90's hip-hop will also be featured on the soundtrack.
Fans may also be hearing the likes of nineties favourites Alanis Morissette and Liz Phair in the background of the new film.
Advertisement
“Through co-writing it, I fell in love with the characters (new and old), the world of 1990s Catskills New York, and the music, which will range from songs from the original movie to ‘90s hip-hop,” he said.
The sequel will follow a romantic storyline experienced by a new young woman within the summer camp which is interwoven within Baby’s own story.
Elizabeth Chomko co-wrote the screenplay alongside Levine and the film’s production will begin this year with a release date of 2024.
Grey will also take on the role of executive producer this time around. “The most important thing for us was having Jennifer on board. She is an invaluable collaborator. We’re going to try to involve as many people from the original as is appropriate. We want to be respectful in every way,” he said.
This includes meeting with Patrick Swayze’s estate: “Johnny is a part of Baby’s journey in the story,” he added.
“This film exists in a dialogue with the original. We want to introduce this story to a whole new generation. That said, Johnny’s absence looms large over the story, so it’s a coming-of-age story but also a coming-of-age for Baby’s character in a way,” he said.
Levine is looking forward to bringing the story of Dirty Dancing to a new generation although he emphasised he will not neglect the original film’s fans, “and to the long-time ones, I promise we will not ruin your childhood. We will tackle the assignment with sophistication, ambition and, above all, love,” he said.