Yahoo Lifestyle Here's Why the 'Dirty Dancing' Sequel Might Not Be Coming Out This Summer After All
A sequel to Dirty Dancing—the 1987 hit starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey—was announced back in 2020, and fans who have been patiently waiting are about to be rewarded. After years of uncertainty and delays, Dirty Dancing 2 should hit theaters in 2025.
Key word being “should.” A lot has been kept under wraps about the movie, including its cast, release date and plot. Even Grey, the star of the original film, has her lips sealed. “I can’t tell you much about Dirty Dancing as I’m not going to make promises,” she told GamesRadar+ in October 2024. “I'm just waiting for them to really nail it down as it has to be right.”
Related: 26 Memorable Quotes From One of the Most Romantic Movies of All Time: 'Dirty Dancing'
Regardless, here’s what we do know about the 2025 Dirty Dancing sequel and its projected release.
What is the title of the 2025 Dirty Dancing sequel?
So far, no real title has been announced. It is worth noting that the original 1987 film Dirty Dancing already has a 2004 prequel Havana Nights and a 2017 remake. But this will be the first actual sequel to the original.
When does the 2025 Dirty Dancing sequel come out?
Since the film’s announcement in 2020, a proper release date for the untitled Dirty Dancing 2 has been pending. In June 2022, Lionsgate said it would come out on Feb. 9, 2024, a pre-Valentine’s Day release for lovebirds who adored Baby and Johnny’s story. That date ended up succumbing to delays after the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes.
More recently, a time frame of summer 2025 has been announced, according to Screen Rant. The official page for Dirty Dancing 2 on IMDB lists a release date of June 6, 2025, and states the production stage as “in development.” This date seems unlikely given that the film has yet to be actually shot.
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Who is the director of the 2025 Dirty Dancing sequel?
When news of the Dirty Dancing sequel first came out, Lionsgate was quick to pair it with a director: Jonathan Levine.
Levine, who works as a producer and director, is known for the movies 50/50 (2011), Warm Bodies (2013) and Long Shot (2019). From that snapshot, he seems to fit snugly in the comedy genre, which begs the question—will Dirty Dancing 2 be a romantic comedy? Who will the plot focus on? And what will happen to Baby and Johnny’s relationship, especially as the late Patrick Swayze cannot reprise his role?
What is the 2025 Dirty Dancing sequel about?
Not many plot details have been released by Lionsgate or anyone affiliated with Dirty Dancing 2. In fact, Jennifer Grey’s comments might lead one to believe the plot isn’t fully fleshed out, or at least wasn’t at the time she spoke in fall 2024.
There does seem to be a general idea that they’re working with: Jennifer Grey’s character, Baby, will return to Kellerman’s resort, and her story will somehow involve a new young couple. As expected, there will be a lot of dancing. And because the original film was set in the early 1960s, this one won’t be present day; instead, it’ll be set in the 1990s.
“While the original Dirty Dancing has always been one of my favorite films, I never imagined I would direct the sequel,” Levine said in a 2022 statement, reported by Variety. “Through co-writing it, I fell in love with the characters (new and old), the world of 1990s Catskills, New York, and the music, which will range from songs from the original movie to ‘90s hip-hop. I can’t wait to collaborate with Jennifer to bring this beautiful story of summer and romance and dancing to a generation of new fans. And to the longtime ones, I promise we will not ruin your childhood. We will tackle the assignment with sophistication, ambition and, above all, love.”
According to Variety, filmmakers at the time were in conversations with Swayze’s estate to somehow include his character’s presence in the movie. In what way, we don’t know. But it’s clear there are no intentions to recast anyone else in the role of Johnny.
Related: 20 Best Patrick Swayze Movies Ranked, From 'Roadhouse' and 'Red Dawn' to 'Dirty Dancing' and Beyond
Will Jennifer Grey be in the 2025 Dirty Dancing sequel?
Jennifer Grey will reprise her role as Baby in Dirty Dancing 2, and she’s also attached as an executive producer. Per Screen Rant, Levine has commented that they’re trying to “involve as many people from the original movie as appropriate.”
Who is in the cast of the 2025 Dirty Dancing sequel?
So far, we only know that Jennifer Grey will be coming back as the iconic Baby Houseman in Dirty Dancing 2. Other members of the original cast could make a return—perhaps Gilmore Girls’ alum Kelly Bishop, as Baby’s mom Marge?
That said, many of the original cast have since passed away. Aside from Patrick Swayze, who starred as Johnny Castle and died from pancreatic cancer in 2009, Jerry Orbach (who played Baby’s dad) and Jack Weston (who played Max Kellerman) are both gone. Cynthia Rhodes, who played Johnny’s dance partner Penny, has retired from acting. So while fans may spot some familiar faces, there will likely be a lot of new names rounding out the cast as well.
How to watch the 2025 Dirty Dancing sequel
Dirty Dancing 2 is still in production, and is likely to be a theatrical release, so you'll have to wait until it hits the big screen to watch.
Is there a trailer for the 2025 Dirty Dancing sequel?
Since the Dirty Dancing sequel hasn't even started filming yet, it seems unlikely that we'll see a trailer in the near future.
