Jennifer Grey Confirms the ‘Dirty Dancing’ Sequel: Is Fan-Favorite Connor Storrie the New Johnny?
The beloved 1987 classic is getting a sequel—Baby herself is coming back to the big screen! And fans cast a popular new leading man
Ever since Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze spun their way onto screens in the 1987 classic Dirty Dancing, fans have been waiting for the film’s next chapter. While a 2004 prequel, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, gave fans a little dose of nostalgia—especially when Patrick Swayze himself made a cameo—there has still been hope that another installment would eventually continue the story. A Dirty Dancing sequel was first announced back in 2020, but many were worried it wouldn’t pan out—until now! Earlier this week, Lionsgate announced that the Dirty Dancing sequel was moving forward, and none other than Jennifer Grey, 65, will be reprising her iconic role of Baby! Here, everything we know about the film.
‘Dirty Dancing’: a plot recap
While vacationing with her family at a Catskills resort, Frances “Baby” Houseman (Grey) is introduced to Johnny Castle (Swayze), a handsome dance instructor at the resort. Baby discovers that Penny, Johnny’s dance partner, is pregnant, but Robbie, the child’s father, who happens to be a waiter at the resort, refuses to step up. Asking her father for money, Baby uses the funds so that Penny can pay for an abortion, but while undergoing the procedure, Baby must step in as Johnny’s dance partner at a local performance. When the duo returns after a successful show, they learn that Penny is in bad shape after the doctor comes, and in a moment of desperation, Baby asks for her father’s help, as he is also a doctor. After stabilizing Penny, he infers that Johnny is the one who got her pregnant, and as a result, warns Baby to stay away from him. However, Baby has already been taken by Johnny’s charm and he hers, so beginning a timeless, clandestine romance for the ages.
Everything to know about the new ‘Dirty Dancing’ sequel
The Dirty Dancing sequel has been in the works for years, but only this week have fans gotten the impression that it is truly on its way in the near future. Lionsgate announced that the film would be moving forward, giving away details as to who would be involved. Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, who are behind the upcoming Hunger Games film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, are taking the lead on this project. The script will be written by Kim Rosenstock. Jonathan Levine was previously set to direct, but instead, he will now serve as executive producer alongside Jennifer Grey, who is once again bringing Baby to life.
“The role of Baby has held a very deep and meaningful place in my heart, as it has in the hearts of so many fans over the years,” said Jennifer Grey in a statement. “I’ve long wondered where we might find Baby years later and what her life might be like, but it’s taken time to assemble the kind of people that I felt could be entrusted to build on the legacy of the original film…and I’m excited to say that it looks like the wait will soon be over!”
Details on the ‘Dirty Dancing’ sequel cast and plot
With Jennifer Grey reprising her role as Baby, it’s safe to say that the next Dirty Dancing film will take place after the events of the original rather than be a retelling of the story. However, there’s no saying what this story might hold! Some fans are hoping that a new generation of young lovers will take center stage, telling a tale similar to Baby and Johnny’s—and folks are already fan-casting who they want to play that hunky lead! Connor Storrie has recently risen to fame thanks to his role as Ilya Rozanov in the hit hockey romance Heated Rivalry—and his charm, charisma and physique certainly give off that same Patrick Swayze vibe! With that in mind, many have taken to social media to share their wishes that he’ll be joining the cast.
When will the ‘Dirty Dancing’ sequel premiere?
As of right now, the film is still in the early stages, so there’s no saying when we might see it hit the big screen—but it’s safe to say we can’t wait!
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