Lionsgate is heading back to the dance floor, as the sequel to Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s ‘80s classic, Dirty Dancing, has finally found footing with a new creative team.
The company announced its plans to revisit the beloved romance film’s universe are back on track today, confirming development has kicked up again, with new members of its core creative team already in place. Production is now set to begin later this year, with Grey still signed on to reprise her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman.
Baby, we’re back. #DirtyDancing sequel – starring Jennifer Grey. Now in development. pic.twitter.com/XZa16Wic0l
— Dirty Dancing Movie (@DirtyDancingMov) January 27, 2026
Hunger Games and Crazy Rich Asians producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson have boarded to oversee Dirty Dancing 2, with Glow, New Girl, and Only Murders in the Building writer Kim Rosenstock attached to pen its screenplay. Meredith Wieck and Maria Ascanio will oversee for Lionsgate, and Grey is also on board as an executive producer.
“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,” Grey said 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!”
Director Emile Ardolino’s Dirty Dancing premiered in 1987 and tells the dance-infused love story of Baby and Johnny Castle (Swayze). Beyond leaving its mark with standout performances from its leads, the quintessential ‘80s movie is known for its all-time great soundtrack, featuring songs like Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes’ (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life and Eric Carmen’s Hungry Eyes.
Lionsgate’s first announced its Dirty Dancing sequel in 2020, confirming Warm Bodies’ Jonathan Levine had been brought in to direct a screenplay from Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis (Five Feet Apart). Although Levine is still involved as an executive producer, he will no longer direct, leaving the spot vacant for now.
“Dirty Dancing is that rare film that is as emotional, exhilarating, and rebellious today as it was the year it was released,” Jacobson said in a statement. “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.”
Dirty Dancing 2 currently has no release date. While we wait for a schedule and director update, you can read about IGN’s favorite movies of 2025, including which one we think was best.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
