A while ago, there was talk of Lionsgate remaking Dirty Dancing for a new generation, but it’s been nearly two years since there was any firm news, and so most people assumed the idea had been quietly forgotten.
However it turns out it’s just been biding its time and the film is actually still a high priority for Lionsgate, with Deadline reporting that they’ve hired Kenny Ortega to direct it. It’s a bit of homecoming for Ortega, as his work choregraphing the Patrick Swayze starring original – creating the grinding movements that gave the movie its name – helped make his name in the entertainment biz. It’s also true that one of his first directing assignments was a couple episodes of the Dirty Dancing TV series in the 80s.
This time though he’ll be in the director’s chair for a big screen update. He says, 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 cant wait to begin the process of discovering the next breakout triple-threats.
There’s no news on possible casting, although hopefully they’re find some bright young things to play the girl who goes on holiday with her uptight family and falls for the resident dance instructor.