The sequel to Dirty Dancing is going to be filmed. Lionsgate commissioned Jonathan Levine to direct the film based on the 1987 classic “Dirty Dancing” starring Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze, who passed away in 2009. Other artists included Alanis Morissette and Liz Phair.
“Dirty Dancing’ is more than a movie – it’s a cultural milestone that continues to be a rite of passage. Dirty Dancing is the best-selling catalogue title in Lionsgate history. The film grossed $ 214.5 million worldwide in 1987 and continues to attract new fans to this day.
Levine also drafted the script for the sequel with Elizabeth Chomko. While the studio hasn’t disclosed specific plot details, “it will be a coming-of-age love story centred around a young woman’s experience at summer camp. She will intertwine with this to create a multi-layered narrative. She explained that the film is set in the 90s and the world of hip hop. Casting is underway for the lead role. The sequel is expected to go into production later this year for release in 2024.”
Jennifer Gray may not be the only face of the original to return, Levine said.
“The most important thing for us was to have Jennifer on board. She is a valuable collaborator. We want to be respectful in every way.”
The music of the film will range from the songs of the original film (Hungry Eyes is among the songs that will return) to hip-hop of the 90s. Levine also named Alanis Morisette and Liz Phair as artists whose songs could potentially be featured. “Thanks to the co-writing, I fell in love with the characters (new and old), the world of Catskills New York of the 90s and the music.
I’m looking forward to collaborating with Jennifer – said Levine – to bring this beautiful story of summer, romance and Dancing to a generation of new fans. We will take on the assignment with sophistication, ambition and, above all, love.”