Rejoice, a ‘Dirty Dancing’ sequel is happening! Here’s what we know so far

Exciting news for film fans, iconic 1980s flick Dirty Dancing is getting a sequel!

33 years after the original starring Jennifer Grey alongside the late Patrick Swayze, the sequel to the hit summer romance was announced on 7 August 2020. 

The project appears to have gone on hiatus for a little while – whether this is due to the pandemic or not is unknown – but is has now been announced by Variety that production for the film will begin later this year – with international sales launching this year at Cannes Film Festival. This means it will most likely be released in 2024.

It will be directed by Jonathan Levine, the filmmaker behind 2011’s film 50:50 which starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick, and more recently Nine Perfect Strangers. The news was announced yesterday, and accompanied by a delighted tweet form Jennifer Grey herself.

We know the screenplay was written by Elizabeth Chomko together with Levine (who serves as a producer, together with his director and co-writer credits). 

Levine has given the former statement since taking up the director’s chair: “While the original Dirty Dancing has always been one of my favourite films, I never imagined I would direct the sequel. Through co-writing it, I fell in love with the characters (new and old), the world of 1990s Catskills, New York, and the music, which will range from songs from the original movie to ’90s hip-hop.

He continued: “I can’t wait to collaborate with Jennifer to bring this beautiful story of summer and romance and dancing to a generation of new fans. And to the longtime ones, I promise we will not ruin your childhood. We will tackle the assignment with sophistication, ambition, and, above all, love.”