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Jennifer Grey is about to have the time of her life — again.
Lionsgate confirmed Tuesday that Grey, 65, is reprising her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman in the upcoming “Dirty Dancing” sequel, which she’s also executive producing.
The follow-up to the beloved 1987 movie is being produced by “Hunger Games” and “Crazy Rich Asians” producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson. “Dying for Sex” showrunner Kim Rosenstock is writing the script.
Jonathan Levine will also executive produce the project, but he’s no longer directing it as originally planned.
Grey starred in the original “Dirty Dancing” alongside the late Patrick Swayze, who died of pancreatic cancer at age 57 in 2009.
“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,” the actress said in a statement after her casting news was confirmed.
“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!” Grey added.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said, “‘Dirty Dancing’ remains as beloved today as it was upon its initial release, and we knew that a very special group of people would have to come together for fans to embrace a return to Kellerman’s. We are beyond thrilled to announce we have assembled the perfect team to carry this film forward in partnership with Jennifer Grey.”
Jacobson, in her own statement, said, “‘Dirty Dancing’ is that rare film that is as emotional, exhilarating and rebellious today as it was the year it was released. To be able to work with Jennifer Grey and Lionsgate on the sequel is a genuine joy for Brad and me. We feel so fortunate to have been invited back to Kellerman’s for one more dance.”
Production on the sequel is set to begin later this year, according to Lionsgate.
Directed by Emile Ardolino, “Dirty Dancing” follows teenager Frances “Baby” Houseman (Grey) who falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze) on a family vacation to the Catskills in 1963.
Grey received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the film.
Last year, Grey told People that the sequel will not try to recapture the chemistry she had with Swayze.
“All I can say is there is no replacing anyone who’s passed—you never try to repeat anything that’s magic like that,” she shared. “You just go for something different.”
The “Dirty Dancing” sequel not have a release date yet.
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