United States , Jan 28 (ABC) : Jennifer Grey is set to return to the big screen as Frances “Baby” Houseman in a direct sequel to the 1987 classic Dirty Dancing, nearly 40 years after the original film’s release.
Lionsgate has officially greenlit the sequel, bringing Grey back to the franchise that defined her career. The project will be produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, the duo behind the Diary of a Wimpy Kid films.
Jonathan Levine, who was earlier attached as the film’s director, will no longer direct the sequel but will stay on as an executive producer. The screenplay will be written by Kim Rosenstock, creator and writer of Dying for Sex.
Grey’s return revives her memorable pairing with the late Patrick Swayze, who starred as dance instructor Johnny Castle in the original film. Swayze later appeared briefly as Johnny in the 2004 prequel Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, starring Diego Luna, though the film failed to match the success of its predecessor.
Dirty Dancing has since expanded into multiple adaptations, including a stage musical in 2005 and a television remake in 2017 featuring Abigail Breslin and Colt Prattes.