Lionsgate announced the upcoming Dirty Dancing the sequel will direct Warm bodies and long shot directed by Jonathan Levin. Although initially only to produce the film under his Megamix banner, Levine decided to also direct the sequel.
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The film will see the return of Jennifer Grey, who will reprise her role as Frances «Baby» Houseman in the upcoming sequel. She will also executive produce the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Elizabeth Chomko.
Continuation Dirty Dancing Production is expected to begin later this year, with release scheduled for 2024.
«While the original Dirty Dancing has always been one of my favorite films, I never thought I would be making a sequel,” said Levin. “Through the co-writing, I fell in love with the characters (new and old), the world of Catskills New York in the 1990s, and the music that would range from songs from the original movie to 90s hip hop. I can’t wait to work with Jennifer to bring this beautiful story of summer, romance and dance to a new generation of fans. And I promise a long time ago that we will not spoil your childhood. We will take on the task with sophistication, ambition and, above all, love.”
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Original Dirty Dancing released in 1987, starring Patrick Swayze and Gray as unfortunate lovers who team up to perform the last big dance of the summer despite the latter’s father’s disapproval. Directed by Emil Ardolino, the film grossed $218 million worldwide on a $5 million budget and won a Golden Globe and Academy Award for «(I Had) the Time of My Life». The two main characters also received Golden Globe nominations for their performances.
