For everybody who loves the classics: the wait is over.
That’s right, Dirty Dancing is finally getting a sequel and we’ve got a whole lot of new details about what it’s going to look like.
First of all, Jennifer Grey, who played Frances “Baby” Houseman in the original, will be starring as her famous character – and the film will be set in the 1990s, three decades after the setting of the original.
Though other cast members haven’t been confirmed yet, some of the first film’s other stars may also be returning.
According to Deadline, the film will follow the adult Baby’s story as well as that of another young woman who comes of age at Kellerman’s summer camp.
The sequel will also be produced and directed by Jonathan Levine, who cut his teeth on Warm Bodies and Nine Perfect Strangers, who wrote the sequel along with Elizabeth Chomko. Grey also serves as an executive producer.
"The most important thing for us was having Jennifer on board. She is an invaluable collaborator," Levine told Deadline.
"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 also said that the sequel, which will also be called Dirty Dancing, will address Johnny’s absence – Patrick Swayze having passed away in 2009. In addition to talks with his estate, it has also been confirmed that Swayze’s character would not be recast.
“Johnny is a part of Baby’s journey in the story,” Levine said.
"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."
Levine also shared his experience of writing the sequel.
"While the original Dirty Dancing has always been one of my favourite films, I never imagined I would direct the sequel… 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.
"I can’t wait to collaborate with Jennifer to bring this beautiful story of summer and romance and dancing to a generation of new fans.
"And to the longtime ones, I promise we will not ruin your childhood. We will tackle the assignment with sophistication, ambition and, above all, love."
