One of the Most Popular Movies of All Time Is Officially Getting a Sequel

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Lionsgate is bringing the story of Dirty Dancing back to life! The studio has announced that a sequel to the beloved 1987 film is officially in the works and production is starting soon, bringing a wave of fond memories for many.

The latest installment of the ‘Baby’ Houseman story has brought together a talented group of creators, suggesting the project is moving forward from planning and into full production.

As a critic, I’m immediately encouraged by the producers attached to this project: Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. These two really know what they’re doing, having expertly steered the incredibly popular Hunger Games movies to success. They clearly have a knack for handling big adaptations and respecting source material, which gives me a lot of confidence in what they’ll bring to this film.

Kim Rosenstock, a highly-regarded screenwriter nominated for both an Emmy and a Golden Globe, will write the screenplay. She recently won the 2025 Humanitas Prize for her work on the popular show Dying for Sex.

The biggest news is Jennifer Grey’s return! She’ll be reprising her iconic role as Frances “Baby” Houseman and also working behind the scenes as an executive producer. Grey decided to come back because the timing felt right and she had confidence in the team’s ability to respect the original movie while showing what happens next in Baby’s life. Jonathan Levine, who was originally going to direct, will still be involved as an executive producer.

Lionsgate is very optimistic about the team working on the new film. Adam Fogelson, head of Lionsgate’s film division, explained that the studio specifically assembled this group of creators to appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences. Production is set to begin later this year, and the goal is to recreate the emotional impact and memorable music that made the original movie a worldwide success.

Although the complete list of actors in the upcoming sequel hasn’t been revealed, there’s a lot of excitement about what this role could mean for Jennifer Grey’s career. She’s been gaining renewed attention recently, especially after appearing in the popular 2024 Sundance film, A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg. She also recently released her memoir, Out of the Corner, which offers a personal look at her life during and after her peak fame in the 1980s.

Kim Rosenstock is a highly in-demand writer for TV and film. She’s known for her work on popular shows like Only Murders in the Building, GLOW, New Girl, and Dying for Sex. She’s expected to bring a fresh, heartfelt quality to the upcoming Dirty Dancing sequel by combining humor with genuine emotion.

Jacobson and Simpson, the producers, have a lot on their plate. In addition to this new project, they’re currently filming The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel scheduled for release in late 2026. They’re also working with Rosenstock on Love Story, an upcoming Netflix limited series about the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

The original Dirty Dancing wasn’t just a love story; it also touched on important issues like social class, personal freedom, and growing up. The upcoming sequel is expected to take place in the 1990s, about thirty years after the first movie. Moving the story to a new time period allows filmmakers to show how Baby has changed as a person and introduce Kellerman’s Resort to a new audience.

It’s still sad to remember Patrick Swayze, the actor who played Johnny Castle, as he passed away in 2009. Jennifer Grey has often said no one could ever take his place. The new movie won’t try to replace him either. Instead, it will honor his character and the impact he had, especially for the fans who have loved the original 1987 film for almost 40 years.

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2026-01-28 13:15