The sequel to the 1987 cult film Dirty Dancing is slated to hit theaters in 2024. Jonathan Levine serves as director. Levine was previously involved in the project as a producer. He also co-wrote the screenplay with Elizabeth Chomko.
“I promise we won’t ruin your childhood”
Jennifer Gray returns to her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman in the Dirty Dancing sequel. The sequel, also titled Dirty Dancing, is slated to start production later this year and be released in 2024. Media outlet Lionsgate announced back in 2020 that a “Dirty Dancing” sequel was in the works.
Little else is known about the next installment, but Jonathan Levine has hinted that the sequel will feature music from the original film as well as ’90s hip-hop:
“Co-authoring has made me fall in love with the characters (new and old), the world of Catskills set in 1990’s New York, and the music, which will range from songs from the original film to 90’s hip-hop. I can’t wait to work with Jennifer. We want to bring this beautiful story of summer, romance and dance to a new generation of fans.”
“Even though the original was always one of my favorite films, I never thought I would direct the sequel,” says Levine. “And to those who’ve been around a long time, I promise we won’t ruin your childhood. We will approach the task with refinement, ambition and above all with love.”
Levine continues, “The most important thing for us was having Jennifer on board.” “She’s an invaluable member of the project. We’ll try to include as many people from the original as is appropriate.”
The original was followed by two more posts
In the 1987 romantic comedy classic, Gray played Frances “Baby” Houseman, a young woman who falls in love with dance teacher Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) in a 1963 Catskills resort.
Patrick Swayze died in 2009, but the filmmakers are in talks with Swayze’s estate to include some form of the actor’s presence. Other members of the cast have not yet been announced.
By the way, this is not the first sequel to the dance film. A prequel, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, was released in 2004 to little fanfare. A TV remake starring Abigail Breslin and Colt Prattes was released in 2017.