Maria Maggenti, writer of such films and TV as WITHOUT A TRANCE and PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS has sold a script to remake eighties classic, DIRTY DANCING.
The film is being fast tracked by Lionsgate after attaching a possible director in Kenny Ortega. Ortega has directed many dance and music-themed films over the years including HIGH SCHOOL THE MUSICAL 3. But more importantly he made his film bones as choreographer on the original DIRTY DANCING as well as many other beloved 1980s films. At least we will know that the dancing on screen will be great, but whether their will be any depth to the story is anyone’s guess.
It’s no surprise that the film is heading for another go at the film, especially in the current climate of remakes, seeing FOOTLOOSE coming out in the next few months. Also DIRTY DANCING is one of the most successful independent films ever, starting at a production value of $6 million and drawing over $210 million not including TV, current DVDs, the stage show and various merchandise.
So the real question now is, who do you think should play Baby and Patrick Swayze’s Johnny Castle?
