14 DAY TRIAL // It was the movie that shaped a generation: out in 1987 and starring the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey as the star-crossed lovers come together in dance, “Dirty Dancing” proved the biggest sleeper hit at the time. It is now being remade by Lionsgate, under the direction of Kenny Ortega.
The original film was made on a budget of $6 million and went on to make over $213 million at the box office, but proved an even bigger hit on video.
It’s no wonder then that someone would want to have it remade, even though the 2004 sequel “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights” tanked and was a complete disappointment.
Deadline reports that Lionsgate is willing to take the risk to make the remake happen, confident that it’s got Kenny Ortega at the helm.
“The new film is a celebration of one of the most beloved movies of all time. Paying tribute to the emotional excitement of first love, […] the soul stirring power of dance, and the classic tale of teenage Baby’s forbidden romance with Johnny Castle, the remake will incorporate classic songs from the 1960s, hits from the original film and brand new compositions,” reads a press statement from the movie studio.
If Ortega is a name that rings a bell with you, it’s because he’s behind one of the biggest franchises of the genre, “High School Musical.” He was also working with Michael Jackson on his “This Is It” comeback tour at the time of his death.
“The opportunity to direct Dirty Dancing is like returning home for me. Growing up in the 60’s on the dance floor helped define me as a person and as an artist,” Ortega says of being offered the project.
“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,” he adds.
“I believe everywhere you look there is evidence that the talent is out there and I can’t wait to begin the process of discovering the next breakout triple-threats,” Ortega continues.
For the time being, no other names are attached to the project (as in, actors and dancers who might be considered for the leads). A release date is similarly unknown, so make sure you keep an eye on this space for more details.
In the meantime, below is the trailer to the original “Dirty Dancing,” a classic.