Actor Jennifer Grey addresses the ongoing delays of the much anticipatedDirty Dancing 2. The original movie, directed by Emile Ardolino in 1987, follows Baby Houseman (Jennifer Grey) as she falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) at a Catskill resort in the summer of 1963. It became a cultural phenomenon upon release, earning over $200 million at the box office against a modest $5 million budget. LionsgateannouncedDirty Dancing 2in 2020 with Grey returning as both star and executive producer, but the project has been slow to take shape, with production repeatedly pushed back.
While speaking toCollider, Grey opened up about the continued delays surroundingDirty Dancing 2, which will be directed by Jonathan Levine. Though she did not disclose specific reasons, she stressed thatproduction would only move forward once creative elements are fully locked in.Grey said:
I can’t tell you much about Dirty Dancing as I’m not going to make promises. I’m just waiting for them to really nail it down as it has to be right. We can push that aside until we next time we speak when it hopefully will all be ironed out.
What Grey’s Update Means For Dirty Dancing 2
The Creative Team Wants To Get The Sequel Right
Grey’s comments suggest that the creative team is taking a deliberate approach to theDirty Dancingsequel, ensuring that every detail aligns with the original film’s impact and spirit. Her emphasis on getting the story correct points to ongoing script refinements and talent considerations, signaling the complexity of modernizing a beloved classic. The balance between nostalgia and contemporary storytelling is essential, andrushing the process could compromise the film’s ability to be a success.
Taking the time to refine the narrative could lead to a film that not only honors the original, but also resonates with today’s viewers.
Dirty Dancing 2’s delay may also reflect logistical challenges in today’s production landscape. From securing filming schedules to navigating Hollywood strikes and market shifts, many unique factors can impact filmmaking timelines. TheoriginalDirty Dancingthrived by blending romance, personal growth, and dance, elements that the sequel will need to preserve while also delivering something fresh for today’s audiences. Grey’s update may frustrate those eager for the sequel, butit also offers some reassurance. Taking the time to refine the narrative could lead to a film that not only honors the original, but also resonates with today’s viewers.
Our Take On Grey’s Dirty Dancing Update
Dirty Dancing 2 Has A Lot It Needs To Get Right
The lack of concrete updates up to this point is frustrating, but it could end up being a good thing forDirty Dancing 2.As Grey emphasized, the creative team has to get it right, and it must be tricky to balance the nostalgia of the original with something fresh. On top of that, it will also need tohonor the late Swayze’s legacy. If the production team can meet these expectations, the final product could live up to the original movie’s success and prove that some things are truly worth waiting for.
Source:Collider
Dirty Dancing 2
Dirty Dancing 2 is the sequel to the 1987 classic featuring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. In the new film, Grey’s character Frances (a.k.a. Baby) returns to the vacation resort where the original took place. Jennifer Grey returns to reprise her role, with Jonathan Levine in the director’s chair.
