It’s official, Dirting Dancing, the sequel (also entitled Dirty Dancing), is happening. Acclaimed filmmaker Jonathan Levine (Long Shot) has just been announced to direct, and ever since, he’s been teasing all the information he knows so far.
For fans of the original classic, Jennifer Grey will indeed be returning as Baby. According to Levine, the plot will tell a similar coming of age story about a young lady at summer camp but include multiple layers, so the plot intertwines with Grey’s character.
Other characters from the original are in talks to return for the second act; that being said, Johnny, otherwise known as Patrick Swayze, will not be returning. He, unfortunately, passed away at age 57 in 2009. The writing team wanted Grey in the film first and foremost and from there decided to include as many original roles as would be dignified for the story. Due to Swayze’s absence and Johnny’s character being such a big part of Baby’s storyline in the first Dirty Dancing, the film will be a coming of age for Baby in its own right.
The film is supposed to begin filming later this year and premiere in 2024. Levine says there is a shortlist, but no official casting decisions have been made at the moment.