Will Baby be stuck in a corner in the remake? Will there be a romantic watery dance scene, will an abortion play a role in the story, and what era will a Dirty Dancing remake take place in? These questions haven’t been answered, however, Lionsgate Films has announced Kenny Ortega – director of the High School Musical films and Michael Jackson’s This Is It – will helm the remake of the dance film.
Ortega choreographed the original 1987 romantic drama, which starred Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, and Cynthia Rhodes. That film was made on a $6 million budget and has grossed over $200 million.
“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 Joe Drake, co-COO of Lionsgate and President of the Motion Picture Group.
Said Ortega of the project, “The opportunity to direct Dirty Dancing is like returning home for me. Growing up in the 60s 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 Debra Martin Chase. “I am thrilled to be working with Kenny Ortega again and with the dynamic creative team at Lionsgate.”
About the Dirty Dancing Remake:
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.
