You’re about to have the time of your life again — Dirty Dancing is getting a sequel.
Just when you thought Hollywood had reached its peak with remakes, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer has confirmed the news.
“And to reveal one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood, we’re pleased to confirm that Jennifer Grey will both executive produce and star in a new Dirty Dancing movie for Lionsgate from Warm Bodies director Jonathan Levine,” Feltheimer said in a statement.
“It will be exactly the kind of romantic, nostalgic movie that the franchise’s fans have been waiting for and that has made it the biggest-selling library title in the company’s history.”
While there are no immediate details about the plot or the returning characters, we are supremely excited that Grey — who played Frances “Baby” Houseman — is back.
Her co-star, Patrick Swayze — who played Johnny Castle — passed away from cancer in 2009, however, there is no word on how he will be honoured.
The original film told the story of Baby (Grey) who was one summer away from joining the Peace Corps. Hoping to enjoy her youth while it lasts, she’s disappointed when her summer plans deposit her at a sleepy resort in the Catskills with her parents.
Her luck changes when the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny (Patrick Swayze), enlists her as his new partner, and the two fall in love.
Baby’s father (the late Jerry Orbach) forbids her from seeing Johnny, but she’s determined to help him perform the last big dance of the summer.
Starring alongside Grey, Swayze and Orbach was Kelly Bishop (Emily in Gilmore Girls) and Cynthia Rhodes (Flashdance).
The film became a cult classic when it premiered in 1987, making $300 million USD at the global box office and even won an Oscar and Golden Globe for the original song (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life by Frank Previte, John DeNicola and Donald Markowitz.