Dirty Dancing sequel gets official release date

Dirty Dancing's sequel finally has a release date. Lionsgate has announced that the sequel to the 1987 cult classic will hit theatres on Feb 9, 2024 (via Deadline).

The sequel will see Jennifer Grey returning to reprise her iconic role as Frances 'Baby' Houseman, and it will be directed by Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies, Nine Perfect Strangers).

The movie is set in the 1990s, three decades after the original, and will see Baby (Grey) take us back to Kellerman's Resort for a story of summer romance, and of course dancing. It will follow Baby's own story as it entwines with another young woman's coming-of-age journey at Kellerman's summer camp.

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At the time the film was announced, Levine said his goal is to involve as many of the original cast as possible.

"The most important thing for us was having Jennifer on board. She is an invaluable collaborator," he said. "We're going to try to involve as many people from the original as is appropriate. We want to be respectful in every way."

He also revealed how they would handle the absence of the male lead of the film Patrick Swayze, who passed away from cancer in 2009. According to Levine, the film will address his absence and regular conversations are being had with Swayze's estate in preparation for the sequel.

"Johnny is a part of Baby's journey in the story," Levine added in reference to the sequel's storyline. "This film exists in a dialogue with the original. Johnny's absence looms large over the story, so it's a coming-of-age story but also a coming-of-age for Baby's character in a way."

Grey has previously confirmed that the character of Johnny would not be recast for the sequel.

The film will also feature original music from the first film including 'Hungry Eyes' and some 90’s hip hop. Dirty Dancing is famously known for its iconic lift scene to 'Time of My Life', which according to Grey, almost didn't happen because of a knee injury Swayze was suffering at the time.

Production is expected to start later this year for Dirty Dancing.