It was recently confirmed that a ‘Dirty Dancing’ remake was in the works with original choreographer Kenny Ortega as the director. Bookmakers in the UK have cast their votes for whom they believe would best fill the roles of Johnny Castle and Frances “Baby” Houseman.
The roles were originally filled by legendary screen heartthrob Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. The leading favorite to play Johnny is Justin Timberlake, followed by ‘Thor’ star Chris Hemsworth. Coming in as the third favorite to fill the role is ‘Charlie St. Cloud’ actor Zac Efron.
Preferences to fill the role of Baby include ‘Easy A’ actress Emma Stone and Lea Michele of ‘Glee.’ Also favored for the role is Julia Roberts’ niece, Emma Roberts. Other suggestions to fill the famed roles include cast members from ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Twilight’ fame.
‘Dirty Dancing’ is an iconic, pop-culture film based in 1963. In the flick, Baby and her family are vacationing at a resort in the Catskills Mountains in New York. She meets dance instructor Johnny Castle and soon the two fall in love, but are met with apprehension when Baby’s father, a wealthy doctor, believes Johnny was responsible for getting his dance partner pregnant and sending her off for an illegal abortion.
Lionsgate hopes to begin production of the film by the end of the year.
