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

Lionsgate is officially heading back to the Catskills. In a move that has sparked nostalgia across generations, the studio has confirmed that the long-awaited sequel to the 1987 classic Dirty Dancing is moving into active production.

This new chapter in the “Baby” Houseman saga has assembled a formidable creative team, signaling that the project is finally stepping out of the developmental corner and onto the dance floor.

Steering the production are Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, the seasoned duo behind the massive success of The Hunger Games franchise. Their involvement brings a significant level of prestige and experience to the project, as they have spent years navigating high-stakes adaptations and beloved intellectual properties.

The screenplay will be handled by Kim Rosenstock, an Emmy and Golden Globe nominee who recently gained acclaim as the 2025 Humanitas Prize winner for her work on the hit series Dying for Sex.

The heart of the announcement, however, remains the return of Jennifer Grey. Reprising her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman, Grey is not only starring but also serving as an executive producer. For Grey, the decision to return was one of timing and trust, as she sought a team capable of honoring the original’s legacy while exploring a new stage of Baby’s life. Jonathan Levine, who was previously attached to direct, remains an integral part of the project as an executive producer.

Lionsgate executives have expressed immense confidence in this “super team.” Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, noted that the studio recognized the need for a specific group of creators to ensure the film resonates with both loyalists and newcomers. With production slated to begin later this year, the focus is on capturing the same emotional rebellion and musical magic that made the original a global phenomenon.

While the sequel’s full cast list remains under wraps, the industry is buzzing about what this return means for Jennifer Grey’s career. The actress has enjoyed a significant resurgence lately, most notably appearing in the 2024 Sundance hit A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg. She also recently published her memoir, Out of the Corner, which provided an intimate look at her life during and after the height of her 1980s stardom.

Writer Kim Rosenstock is currently one of the most sought-after names in television and film. Aside from her work on Dying for Sex, she has been a vital creative force behind fan-favorites like Only Murders in the Building, GLOW, and New Girl. Her ability to blend sharp wit with deep emotional stakes is expected to give the Dirty Dancing sequel a modern yet soulful edge.

The producers, Jacobson and Simpson, are also balancing a packed slate. Beyond this project, they are deep in production for the highly anticipated The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel set to hit theaters in late 2026. They are also collaborating with Rosenstock on the upcoming Netflix limited series Love Story, which chronicles the relationship of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

The original Dirty Dancing was far more than a simple romance; it dealt with themes of class, choice, and social awakening. This new installment is rumored to be set in the 1990s, roughly three decades after the events of the first film. By shifting the timeline, the filmmakers can explore Baby’s evolution as a woman while introducing a new generation of dancers to the iconic Kellerman’s Resort.

There is, of course, the bittersweet reality of Patrick Swayze’s absence. The late actor, who played Johnny Castle, passed away in 2009, and Jennifer Grey has been vocal about the fact that no one could ever replace him. Instead of a recast, the sequel is expected to address his character’s legacy in a way that feels organic and respectful to the fans who have kept the 1987 film’s memory alive for nearly 40 years.

Do you think a sequel can capture the same magic without Johnny Castle, or are you just excited to see Baby back on the big screen? Share your thoughts in the comments!