Dirty Dancing Film Remake Postponed; Lea Michele Screen Tested For Reboot

The remake of the hit 1987 film Dirty Dancing has been postponed, according to Deadline.com. Directed by original Dirty Dancing choreographer Kenny Ortega, the film was scheduled to be released in July 2013, but Lionsgate will now hold the release until at least 2014. No cast has ben announced, although Lea Michele (Glee) was reportedly screen tested for the film, in addition to Liana Liberato (Trespass), Canadian singer Nikki Yanofsky, Luke Grime (Brothers & Sisters), Justin Gaston (Nashville Star) and Derek Hough (Dancing With the Stars).

Directed by Emile Ardolino, the 1987 film version starred Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. Dirty Dancing is the story of Frances “Baby” Houseman (Grey) who meets rebellious dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze) at a summer resort. When Johnny’s dance partner is no longer able to perform, Johnny trains Baby to become a seductive dancer, and romance ensues. In October 2006, a musical adaptation of Dirty Dancing premiered in London’s West End and closed on July 9, 2011. Additionally, the stage production toured throughout North America.

Ortega’s directing credits include the High School Musical films, Newsies, This Is It, Hocus Pocus and the short-lived Dirty Dancing TV series.