Nearly 40 years after Baby and Johnny’s iconic summer in the Catskills, Lionsgate is officially returning to Kellerman’s Mountain House. A new “Dirty Dancing” film is underway, with Jennifer Grey reprising her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman. First announced in 2020, the long-delayed but highly anticipated sequel is now back in development, with production slated to kick off later this year.
Grey, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for the film and helped solidify “Don’t put Baby in the corner” as a cultural touchstone, remains the heart of the franchise. Now, she returns not only to star, but also to executive produce, ensuring this next chapter captures the same magic that made the original movie a global phenomenon. The sequel will also most likely honor the legacy of the late Patrick Swayze, with Grey telling People magazine in 2020 that no one could ever replace the magic he brought to the role of Johnny Castle.
Here’s everything we know about the highly anticipated project, including who else is involved.
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The 1987 film, directed by Emile Ardolino (“Sister Act”) and written by Eleanor Bergstein, was a massive success, grossing $214 million worldwide and securing an Academy Award for its timeless anthem “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
While plot details are still under wraps, we do know that the sequel will pick up decades after the original story, following a new chapter in Baby’s life. Grey opened up about returning to the role, saying, “I’ve long wondered where we might find Baby years later and what her life might be like, but it’s taken time to assemble the kind of people that I felt could be entrusted to build on the legacy of the original film.”
The “Dirty Dancing” sequel does not appear to have ties to Guy Ferland’s 2004 reimagined prequel, “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,” which told a separate story set in 1958 and starred Diego Luna and Romola Garai.
Deadline reports that Lionsgate is developing the film, with producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson leading the project. Their recent and upcoming work for the studio includes “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” and “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.”
In a press statement, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson shared that the studio has assembled a “super team” to ensure the sequel honors the original while bringing it to a new generation. “ ‘Dirty Dancing’ remains as beloved today as it was upon its initial release, and we knew that a very special group of people would have to come together for fans to embrace a return to Kellerman’s,” said Fogelson. “We are beyond thrilled to announce we have assembled the perfect team to carry this film forward in partnership with Jennifer Grey.”
The screenplay will be penned by “Dying for Sex” co-creator Kim Rosenstock. Grey is executive producing alongside Jonathan Levine (“Tell Me Lies,” “Nine Perfect Strangers”), who was previously attached to direct. A new director hasn’t been announced just yet.
Rich Delia (“The Long Walk,” “It: Welcome to Derry,” “Dallas Buyers Club”) is serving as the film’s CD.
At this time, only Grey is attached to the project. Additional casting hasn’t been announced, and there’s no word yet on returning or new characters. As the development cycle continues, we will keep you updated on the latest casting announcements. Stay tuned!
While we wait for casting updates, check out these articles filled with auditioning advice:
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- How to Become an Extra in a Movie or TV Show
- How to Make a Perfect Self-Tape
- Casting 101: Everything Actors Need to Know About the Process
Interested in other opportunities currently in the works? Check out these other greenlit projects:
