“Dirty Dancing” Sequel: Jonathan Levine to Direct for Lionsgate, Plot, Music and Casting Details Revealed: “Music will range from original songs to 90s hip-hop” – Cannes Market Hot Pic

Exclusive: long shot Y warm bodies Director Jonathan Levine will direct the sequel to his favorite 1987 film ძ Dirty dancingWhich Lionsgate will release for the skin market next week.

In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Levin reviewed the hot market package and revealed details on the film’s creative direction.

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In the sequel, Jennifer Gray will reprise her cult role as Francis “Baby” Houseman as she returns to the Kellerman house in the 1990s. Like the original, the sequel will be an old-fashioned novel focusing on the young girl’s experience at summer camp, but Baby’s journey will intertwine to create a multi-layered narrative.

Levin wrote a sequel, also under the title ძ Dirty dancing, With Elizabeth Chomko. Casting is underway: the team has a short list of names who will play the lead roles, and the film is expected to go into production later this year, with a release date in 2024. The actors are expected to be a combination of newcomers. And famous actors.

Gray may not be the only face from the original that’s back, Levin told us. “We will talk to people and investigate what 50/50 said the manager.

“The most important thing for us was being in Jennifer,” he added. “You are a valuable employee. We will try to involve as many people as possible from the original. We want to be respected in every way. “

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That means talking to Patrick Swayze’s estate, Levin said. “Johnny is part of the child’s journey in this story.”

He told us: “This film is in dialogue with the original. We want to present this story to a whole new generation. As we said, John’s absence from the story sounds great, so this is a story of perfection, but also, to some extent, for the character of the child.

The soundtrack of the film will consist of the original songs from the film, “Hungry Eyes” is one of the throwback songs from 90s hip hop. Levin also named Alan Morissette and Liz Fair as artists whose songs may be featured.

Levin had previously planned to produce the project through his Megamix brand with production partner Gillian Borer, but now the director has decided to direct the film as well. Gray will also executive produce the sequel.

“And the original ძ Dirty dancing “It has always been one of my favorite films. I never imagined directing a sequel, “Levin said. Through his co-writing, I fell in love with the characters (new and old), world and music of Catskills New York in the 1990s, which includes songs from the hip-hop original movie from the 90s. to work with Jennifer to bring this beautiful story of summer romance and dance to a new generation of fans. Promise for a long time that you will not ruin your childhood. We will handle the task with finesse, ambition and, above all, with love “.

The main element of the original 1960s story is Penny’s miscarriage, which occurred earlier. Steroid Legislation. In our speech, Levin acknowledged the controversy caused by the recent leak of the document, which suggested that the Supreme Court had confirmed the destruction of the monument. roe deer. Wade Decision. But it is not known if this theme will be present in the new film.

ძ Dirty dancing It is the title of the best-selling library in Lionsgate history. The 1987 original, starring Gray and Swayse, had box office success around the world and won a passionate fan base around the world.

Commenting on Levin’s appointment as director, Lionsgate President of Production Erin Westerman said:ძ Dirty dancing More than a film, it is a cultural test stone that continues the ritual. As we approached the next chapter, we knew we had to respect the depth, relevance and warmth of the original. “We are lucky that Jennifer was our guide and we are thrilled to have Jonathan behind the wheel with her, because everything he does is structured and romantic, he always surprises us.”