In the original "Footloose," the government of a small town banned dancing and rock and roll music. Now, 25 years later, the big-screen may be denied its license to boogie as well.
After Zac Efron dropped out of the lead role last week, the movie is currently on hold, according EW.com.
A source close to the production told EW.com that Paramount has hit the brakes on the movie — which had been active since at least July — as the studio figures out how to proceed without their top choice of Efron. The source also denied reports that Chace Crawford of "Gossip Girl" had auditioned for the lead role last weekend. A rep for Paramount had no comment on the report when asked by MTV News.
When Efron dropped out at the end of March, Paramount issued a statement assuring the public that the film was still very much on track. " 'Footloose' is a project we've longed to see re-booted for a new generation," it said. "While Zac is no longer attached, we remain excited and committed to the collective brain trust of [director] Kenny Ortega, [producers] Neil Meron and Craig Zaden, who will reinvigorate the franchise."
Crawford, with just "Gossip Girl" and a few low-profile movie roles to his name, is not as established a star as Efron. But it was just that experience — starring roles in "Hairspray" and three "High School Musical" movies — that reportedly led Efron to drop out of "Footloose": his advisors were said to repeatedly warn him against taking part in yet another big-screen musical rather than branching out into new territory.
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‘Gossip Girl’ Star Chace Crawford Auditions For ‘Footloose’
Crawford Chasing After Footloose Remake?
(E! Online)
Hannah Montana Director Also Says Sequel Unlikely
(E! Online)
