Jennifer Grey is eager for the much-anticipated sequel to “Dirty Dancing” to come together correctly. It has been four years since the project was first announced, with Grey set to reprise her iconic role as Frances “Baby” Houseman from the beloved 1987 film. Although the sequel was initially scheduled for release in 2024, Lionsgate delayed its premiere following last year’s Hollywood strikes.
During the BFI London Film Festival premiere of her latest movie, “A Real Pain,” Grey provided an update on the long-awaited sequel.
“I can’t share much about ‘Dirty Dancing’ right now because I don’t want to make any promises,” she told reporters, including GamesRadar+, on Sunday in London. “I’m just waiting for them to really nail it down because it has to be right.” She added that reporters could “push that aside” until they speak again, “when hopefully it will all be ironed out.”
Lionsgate first announced the new installment in 2020, confirming Grey’s role as both star and executive producer. Jonathan Levine, known for directing films like “Long Shot,” “Warm Bodies,” and “50/50,” is at the helm of the sequel.
In a statement made in May 2022, Levine expressed his excitement about the project: “While the original ‘Dirty Dancing’ has always been one of my favorite films, I never imagined I would direct the sequel.
Through co-writing it, I fell in love with the characters, both new and old, as well as the world of 1990s Catskills, New York, and the music, which will feature songs from the original movie and ‘90s hip-hop. I can’t wait to collaborate with Jennifer to bring this beautiful story of summer, romance, and dancing to a new generation of fans. And to the longtime fans, I promise we will not ruin your childhood. We will approach this assignment with sophistication, ambition, and, above all, love.”
Set in 1963 at a Catskills resort, the original “Dirty Dancing” follows Frances “Baby” Houseman (played by Grey) as she falls for the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle (portrayed by the late Patrick Swayze).
In 2022, Variety reported that the filmmakers were in discussions with Swayze’s estate to find a way to incorporate his presence in the sequel.
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