Although plenty of people seem to want to get "Footloose," no one is ready to seal the deal. Yesterday, it was announced by EW that Chace Crawford had bowed out of the leading man role — a role we should note Zac Efron also backed out of last summer — which means "Footloose" is again one leading man short of getting made.
But at least it's back on the production schedule! Back in January, Paramount took "Footloose" off their release schedule, but it looks like they now are still planning to go ahead with the film. The reason Chace had to back out of his role is because production on "Footloose," which will start in July, will conflict with his "Gossip Girl" schedule. We really hope the fact that Chace hasn't shown much of an acting range didn't have anything to do with the decision.
The good news is that "Footloose" finally has a director. "High School Musical" helmer Kenny Ortega dropped out of the director's chair last October after the massive success of "This Is It."
Today Variety reports that Craig Brewer, who also wrote the new screenplay, has stepped into the directing shoes. Paramount apparently was impressed by the edgy tone of his last written and directed combo, "Hustle & Flow," and are looking for him to translate that angst into the "Footloose" remake.
This means he is still out a leading man, though. EW said Paramount may end up going on a nationwide hunt to find an unknown to fill Kevin Bacon's dancing shoes, and we think that could be a good idea. Julianne Hough is still slated to be playing the film's leading lady, and even though she was on "Dancing With The Stars," she is an unknown as well. The big question is: Does America really care enough to get "Footloose" again, high profile stars or no?
Do you want to see "Footloose" now that both Chace Crawford and Zac Efron have backed out? Is this a film you care about being remade regardless?
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