'Dirty Dancing' Sequel in the Works With Hunger Games Producers

1 week ago 11

Published Jan 27, 2026, 12:00 PM EST

Marisa is a Senior News Author for Collider. She graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2018 after majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in Folk Studies. She grew up in Kentucky and currently resides in Indiana with her beagle mix rescue, Este. When not writing about her favorite television shows and movies, she can typically be found hanging out with her dog, reading, listening to Taylor Swift, or fangirling about Doctor Who (usually River Song).

The Hunger Games and Dirty Dancing in the same sentence, that's one way to start 2026. Lionsgate is helping to move the long-awaited Dirty Dancing sequel forward with Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and Crazy Rich Asians producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson joining the project. They join star and executive producer Jennifer Grey, who will also reprise her role as Frances "Baby" Houseman. The 1987 film captured audiences with its memorable soundtrack, electrifying choreography, and palpable chemistry between Grey and the late Patrick Swayze. Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Kim Rosenstock (New Girl, Only Murders in the Building) will write the script. Jonathan Levine will also serve as an executive producer. Lionsgate is eyeing a start of production on the sequel, nearly 40 years in the making, for later this year.

The film's success has spurred everything from a prequel — Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights — to a stage musical in the works for Broadway. Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, says, "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." He explains:

"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."

'Dirty Dancing' Holds Special Meaning for Star Jennifer Grey

Grey has long said that to do a sequel to the beloved romantic drama, it has to be "right." While Grey hasn't elaborated on what the "right" criteria would be, she says in today's announcement:

"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!"

In 2022, it was reported that the filmmakers, including Levine, were working with Swayze's estate to honor his memory and incorporate Johnny Castle into the narrative in some way. Though nearly four years have gone by since that report (including the come-and-gone initially eyed release in 2024), it would be remiss not to keep that as a goal as the sequel becomes reality. Jacobson explains, "Dirty Dancing is that rare film that is as emotional, exhilarating, and rebellious today as it was the year it was released." She expresses, "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 is available to stream at home. Stay with Collider for the latest updates.