Lionsgate Announces Update About 'Dirty Dancing' Sequel Starring Jennifer Grey

Lionsgate revealed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the first major update in years for the long-awaited sequel to the 1987 classic 'Dirty Dancing,' with original star Jennifer Grey set to return as Frances "Baby" Houseman.

The project, first announced at CinemaCon in 2022, has faced delays but is now moving forward with a powerhouse team. Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, known for 'The Hunger Games' and 'Crazy Rich Asians,' are spearheading the sequel, joined by screenwriter Kim to craft the script.

Jennifer Grey, who will reprise her iconic role and take on executive producer duties, expressed her deep connection to the character in a statement: “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. 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!”

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chairman Adam Fogelson also shared his enthusiasm, stating, "'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.... There are no better producers for this movie than our longtime partners and friends Nina and Brad from ‘The Hunger Games,’ and we could not be more excited to have Kim coming on board to write. With this super team now in place, we are moving full steam ahead so that both existing fans and new audiences can discover the magic, the music and the emotion that is ‘Dirty Dancing’ in a new theatrical film meant for the big screen."

Production is targeted to start later in 2026, though no release date has been confirmed, and additional casting details remain under wraps. Grey has previously hinted at her casting preferences, mentioning during an appearance on 'The Drew Barrymore Show' that she would love to see Harry Styles join the project. She also teased that the sequel will include “dancing,” “music,” and “sex,” staying true to the original's spirit.

The original 'Dirty Dancing,' directed by Emile Ardolino and written by Eleanor Bergstein, became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $214 million worldwide on a modest budget and earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song with " The Time of My Life." Its themes of romance, rebellion, and self-discovery continue to resonate, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities where the film's celebration of dance, music, and authentic expression has fostered enduring fandom. Drag performers and queer dance troupes have long incorporated 'Dirty Dancing' choreography into shows, viewing Baby's journey as a metaphor for breaking free from societal expectations.

While specific LGBTQ+ community responses to this sequel update were not immediately available across searched sources, the film's legacy in queer spaces underscores anticipation for inclusive representation in the new installment. Lionsgate's commitment to a theatrical release aims to recapture the big-screen magic for diverse audiences, including transgender people and others in the LGBTQ+ community who have embraced the story's empowering narrative.

This development marks a pivotal moment for fans awaiting closure on Baby and Johnny's story, with Grey's involvement ensuring fidelity to the original's emotional core. As production ramps up, further announcements on casting and plot details are expected soon.