It is now four years since the announcement about a sequel to the much-loved movie “Dirty Dancing” took the entertainment industry by storm. Fans were thrilled to hear that Jennifer Grey would step back into the shoes of Frances “Baby” Houseman, a role that she so perfectly embodied in the 1987 classic. The movie was initially slated for a 2024 release, but due to Hollywood strikes last year, Lionsgate announced a delay in its theatrical debut.
Recently, Jennifer Grey gave an update about the much-anticipated “Dirty Dancing” sequel. This update happened at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of her most recent film, “A Real Pain”.
When asked about the sequel by GamesRadar+ and other journalists at the premiere in London, she said, “I can’t share much about ‘Dirty Dancing’ as I don’t want to make any promises, but I’m eagerly waiting for everything to be finalized as all the elements just have to be perfect.”
In another chat with the press, Grey emphasized that they’d better “set that topic aside” until their next meeting, “when hopefully everything will have been sorted.”
To take you back to 2020, Lionsgate went public with the news that a new installment of “Dirty Dancing” was in the pipeline. The plan was to have Grey star and executive produce the sequel. The job of directing the sequel would go to Jonathan Levine, known for his remarkable work in films such as “Long Shot,” “Warm Bodies,” and “50/50,”.
In May 2022, Levine expressed his excitement about the project saying, “Dirty Dancing is a film that I’ve always loved, although I never thought I’d get to direct a sequel. As the co-writer of this sequel, I fell in love with the characters, both new and old, the 1990s Catskills New York setting, and the eclectic music mix from tracks from the original movie to ‘90s hip-hop. Working with Jennifer on this beautiful story of summer romance and dance is something I’m really looking forward to. To fans old and new, I give you my word that we’ll handle this project with tastefulness, aspiration, and above all, love.”
The 1963 “Dirty Dancing” is set in a Catskills resort. It follows the journey of a young woman named Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) falling in love with the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). In 2022, Variety reported that discussions were ongoing with the Swayze’s estate on how to include the late actor’s presence in the sequel.
FAQs
What is “Dirty Dancing” about?
The 1963 “Dirty Dancing” is a romantic movie set in a Catskills resort. It follows a young woman named Frances “Baby” Houseman and her love affair with the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle.
Who is directing the sequel of “Dirty Dancing”?
The sequel to “Dirty Dancing” is being directed by Jonathan Levine, known for his remarkable work in films such as “Long Shot,” “Warm Bodies,” and “50/50.”
Who starred in the original “Dirty Dancing” film?
The original “Dirty Dancing” film starred Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze.
When is the sequel to “Dirty Dancing” expected to release?
The sequel to “Dirty Dancing” was initially slated for a 2024 release, however, due to Hollywood strikes last year, Lionsgate had to delay its theatrical debut. The new release date is yet to be announced.
Are there plans to include the presence of late actor Patrick Swayze in the sequel?
In 2022, Variety reported that talks were ongoing with the late actor’s estate on how to include his presence in the sequel.
Credit: variety.com
