Lionsgate, a leading global entertainment company, is set to produce DIRTY DANCING, based on the classic 1987 film of the same name, it was announced today by Joe Drake, President of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group. The original film’s choreographer Kenny Ortega (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT), will direct. Debra Martin Chase (THE PRINCESS DIARIES, THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS) and Kenny Ortega are producing. The studio is in talks with Eleanor Bergstein, the writer and co-producer of the original film, regarding her involvement in the new film in a producorial capacity. Alli Shearmur, President of Motion Picture Development and Production, is overseeing the project on behalf of Lionsgate.
The new film is a celebration of one of the most beloved movies of all time. Paying tribute to the emotional excitement of first love, the thrills and complexity of sexual awakening, the soul stirring power of dance, and the classic tale of teenage Baby’s forbidden romance with Johnny Castle, the remake will incorporate classic songs from the 1960s, hits from the original film and brand new compositions.
“Amazingly it has been almost 25 years since the original film was released, but the fans remain legion, and engaged more than ever with a brand that is special and vital to them. We believe that the timing couldn’t be better to modernize this story on the big screen, and we are proud to have Kenny Ortega at the helm.” said Drake.
Said Ortega of the project, “The opportunity to direct DIRTY DANCING is like returning home for me. Growing up in the 60’s on the dance floor helped define me as a person and as an artist. I am looking forward to assembling a great creative team and an exciting cast to bring DIRTY DANCING to the screen for a new generation. Patrick Swayze set the bar for men dancing in the movies as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire did before him. I believe everywhere you look there is evidence that the talent is out there and I can’t wait to begin the process of discovering the next breakout triple-threats.”
He continues, “I want to thank writer/producer Eleanor Bergstein for originally choosing me to choreograph “Dirty Dancing” and for her continuous support. I’m thrilled to once again be working with my friend and producing partner Debra Martin Chase. My deep appreciation to Alli Shearmur, Joe Drake, and everyone at Lionsgate for their enthusiasm to make the film and for their confidence in me to helm the project.”
“This remake of DIRTY DANCING presents an exciting opportunity to both celebrate what has made this movie so beloved and refresh and enhance it so that new audiences can claim it as their own,” said producer Chase. “I am thrilled to be working with Kenny Ortega again and with the dynamic creative team at Lionsgate.”
Source: Deadline
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Cadie Crabtree says:
I would love to try out for this movie!! Ive watched and loved this movie ever since i was a little girl and i remeber my teacher and i playing around and dancing and singing hungrey eyes. If there is anyway please let me know.
Angela von zum Hof says:
Wow! A re-make of ‘Dirty Dancing’ . . . there’s a challenge! A challenge for the Producers/Director/Choreographer/Actors to make-over a great dance/life film, and a challenge for us the audience to embrace the new version. Just remember, Nobody puts Baby in a corner! xo
Annmarie says:
I would love to audition for this movie. Are they holding auditions?
Cookie says:
I think this is great and very exciting. Patrick Swayze was amazing in the first one along with all his co actors and dancers, along with Kenny
Ortega and his AMAZING choreography! It will be hard to match up the duo, but there is a lot of great talent out there with the emphasis on
dancing of course. I am very much interested about getting the information on auditions. We are in Miami, Florida and look forward to trying out
if possible. I am hoping you can get the information for us and pass it on, or direct us in the right direction. Thank you and we look forward to
having a chance to audition.
Cookie
Karl Cannon says:
I was just up late looking at some clips of Dirty Dancing, when I stumbled across a link saying they were going to remake the original movie. This is my favorite movie of all time and have it to thank for my very deep seeded passion for dancing. I am inquiring information on when, where and how to audition for this movie. Would love nothing more than to be a part of reviving this classic movie. If any way to get information about it, I would deeply appreciate it. Hope to hear from you….
K.J.
Zoë says:
Are they holding auditions? If so how can I find out more? It’s always been a dream of mine to play Baby and to at least have the opportunity would make my life feel worthwhile. If anyone knows anything, please please please let me know.
Megan says:
I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to be in this movie!! I have a lot of theatre skills and even better… i look just like a mini version of Jennifer Grey (before her nose job). Please consider it.