‘Dirty Dancing’ Sequel Is Happening! — Everything We know

Hear ye! Hear ye! Dirty Dancing Sequel is back to stay on our screens, go into the world and scream it from the top of your lungs! Our childhood movie is back with a bang!

33 years after the original movie, starring Jennifer Grey alongside the late Patrick Swayze, the sequel to the hit summer romance was announced on 7 August 2020. The project has now been announced by Variety that production for the film will begin later this year, with international sales launching this year at Cannes Film Festival. This means it will most likely be released in 2024.

It will be directed by Jonathan Levine, the filmmaker behind 2011’s film 50:50 which starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anna Kendrick, and more recently Nine Perfect Strangers. The news was announced yesterday and accompanied by a delighted tweet from Jennifer Grey herself.

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Grey tweeted, “Thrilled to be able to share the exciting news that Jonathan Levine will be directing our sequel to #dirtydancing!!! honored to partner with the man behind one of my most binge-worthy obsessions, #nineperfectstrangers, and my @Lionsgate family.”

We know the screenplay was written by Elizabeth Chomko together with Levine (who serves as a producer, together with his director and co-writer credits). 

“While the original Dirty Dancing has always been one of my favorite films, I never imagined I would direct the sequel,” the former said in a statement. “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 continued, “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.”   

Here’s what we know so far…

Dirty Dancing – Casts Of The Movie 

It has been confirmed that Jennifer Grey, who starred as Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, who meets dance teacher Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) at summer camp, will return for the film, and also produce the project. It will be directed by Jonathan Levine.

Swayze sadly died of pancreatic cancer in 2009, aged 57. Jerry Orbach, who played Baby’s dad Jake Houseman, also passed away in 2004. However, it was reported by Variety that “filmmakers are in conversations with Swayze’s estate to incorporate the actor’s presence in some way”. As for specific details regarding how this will work… well, we know as much as you at this juncture. 

Additional cast members have yet to be announced but fans should expect more updates soon.

Dirty Dancing – Anything On The Plot?

Nothing has been released on the plot, yet, but the film will reportedly be set in the 1990s. 

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said: “It will be exactly the kind of romantic, nostalgic movie that the franchise’s fans have been waiting for, and that have made it the biggest-selling library title in the company’s history.”

We’re hoping there will be musical hits aplenty, given that the original film’s key tune ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’ won the Oscar for ‘Best Original Song’ at the 1988 Academy Awards. We have a bit of a steer on this: Levine has suggested the sequel will include some music from the original film alongside ’90s hip-hop – so in keeping with the era in which the new film is set.

Dirty Dancing – Any Release Date?

We now know that the film will likely be coming out in 2024, with production starting later this year. So, no imminent need to purchase those high-waisted long denim shorts a la Baby, but definitely something to have on your radar.  

Dirty Dancing – What’s The Reaction Like?

Majority of fans are already thrilled at the news of a sequel, while others have more of an ‘if it ain’t broke’ attitude…

The update on the film has also coincided with a resurgence in conversation around abortion laws in the United States, leading many to comment on its timeliness – as (for those who are unfamiliar with the plot) an abortion narrative is a key part of the story.

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A fan wrote, “Dirty Dancing made me pro-choice at 8 years old I will hear NO SLANDER” @CityofAngelle

Another replied, “DIRTY DANCING is an abortion movie, and a damn good one” @CityofAngelle

“I fully, completely forgot that Dirty Dancing is an abortion movie” @Muna_Mire

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Dirty Dancing right now. Come back here often for all the Dirty Dancing’s spoilers, news, and updates.

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