Latest Video: FilmCrunch 067: Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, Premonition reviewed
Veronica Santiago and Neil Estep review Hairspray, Chuck & Larry, and Premonition in this episode of FilmCrunch.Play Video
Footloose Looking for New Director
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Paramount, Musicals, Remakes, Rumors, Upcoming Releases
The Footloose remake has temporarily been grounded.
Although Paramount’s had already lined up a new Ren McCormick (Chace Crawford) and Ariel Moore (Julianne Hough) for its planned update, the studio is now without a director.
Up until last week, Kenny Ortega (High School Musical, This Is It) was the man helming the project. Unfortunately, creative and budget differences lead to his exit. According to reports, Ortega wanted $30 million for a musical extravaganza while Paramount was looking at $25 million for something a bit edgier.
A statement from Ortega’s reps, though, claims his recent project was to blame for his departure. “Coming off the extraordinary project, Michael Jackson’s This is It, director Kenny Ortega has decided it is premature for him to commit to his next film and will not be moving forward with Footloose as previously reported.”
It’s believed Paramount will still try to keep to its March production start date.
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| Variety
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Julianne Hough About to Go Footloose
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Paramount, Musicals, Remakes, Casting, Celeb News, Upcoming Releases
Julianne Hough‘s tackled both the dancing world and country music, now she’s moving on to the next phase: acting.
Provided she has room in her busy schedule, Julianne will be the Chace Crawford’s leading lady in the remake of Footloose. Dancing with the Stars’ two-time winner will be taking on the Ariel Moore role originated by Lori Singer.
Hough’s selection came after several other young stars - including Hayden Panettiere and Miley Cyrus - were rumored for the part. Although this wouldn’t be the 20-year-old’s first appearance on the big screen, this would be her first major role.
Director Kenny Ortega (High School Musical) told E! Online that he has much love for Julianne. “I adore her. I’m a big fan of hers. Not only how beautiful but how deep her talent goes.”
Production is set to begin in March.
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| Variety
Chace Crawford set to play Ren McCormack in Footloose remake
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Paramount, Musicals, Remakes, Casting, Rumors, Upcoming Releases
Chace Crawford has landed the lead role of Footloose, grabbing the spot that Zac Efron turned down. Paramount Pictures has confirmed that Chace, a Gossip Girl star, has signed on to play Ren McCormack (originally played by Kevin Bacon) in the forthcoming musical remake, following weeks of speculation. As we noted, Zac Efron originally had the part, but turned it down because he didn’t want to be permanently typecast as someone who could only act in musicals. No other casting info has been officially announced, but rumor has it that Miley Cyrus is in the running to land the female lead of Ariel Moore, originally played by Lori Singer. Amanda Bynes and Hayden Panettiere have also auditioned for the lead female spot. Footloose is scheduled to hit theaters in July 2010.
Hayden Panettiere the New Heroine of Footloose?
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Paramount, Adaptation, Music, Musicals, Casting, Celeb News, Celebrity Gossip, Rumors, Upcoming Releases
Rumor has it that Heroes cheerleader Hayden Panettiere has auditioned for the upcoming remake of Footloose, the project formerly dropped by Zac Efron (and possibly picked up by Chace Crawford).
An unnamed source says that Panettiere’s pipes left nothing to be desired when she bellowed out a tryout tune for the singing role in the flick. In case you didn’t know, the new Footloose movie is going Broadway - that means big musical numbers and all.
Hayden Panettiere has flexed her singing stylings in the past. She released “Wake Up Call,” in 2007 and has appeared on several soundtracks.
Chace Crawford, notably of Gossip Girl fame, isn’t officially on board with the movie, but the press has already given him the starring role. Neither Panettiere or Crawford’s rep was available for comment.
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| E! Online
Zac Efron, the Movie Star
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Casting, Celeb News, Celebrity Gossip, Upcoming Releases
High School Musical icon Zac Efron may not be Footloose, but he’s still got plenty of potential projects to consider. Fans will soon see Efron starring as a younger version of Matthew Perry in 17 Again, yet another movie based on adults going back to adolescence. It’s also rumored that Efron will be featured in the next chapter of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and will co-star in the sequel to Hairspray.
Efron is playing it coy when it comes to both rumored projects, telling reporters that he would be happy to be involved in the Pirates project. Rumor has it that Johnny Depp is currently in talks to work on the flick. “It sounds like a good idea,” Efron said of the potential Hairspray sequel, which is not yet confirmed.
He may, however, have wrecked his chances to become a leading man for Judd Apatow. In 17 Again, Efron shares an on-screen kiss with actress Leslie Mann…otherwise known as Mrs. Apatow.
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| MSNBC
Zac Efron Drops Out of Footloose
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Paramount, Musicals, Casting, Celeb News
Getting tired of seeing Zac Efron in musicals? Well, you’re not alone.
Although he had been previously set to star in a musical update of Footloose, Zac Efron has decided to set aside his dancing shoes. According to TheWrap, the 21-year-old bailed out of the movie fearing he’d be typecast. (Uhh - couldn’t he have figured that out before?).
Paramount chose to fast-track the film when Efron became attached to the project last fall. Unfortunately, Zac announced his departure just last week. (Production had been planned to start sometime this spring.) Because the actor was given script approval, a screenplay rewrite allowed him to take advantage of the exit clause.
Click to continue reading Zac Efron Drops Out of Footloose
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| TheWrap
Remake News: The Karate Kid, Oldboy, Pinocchio and More
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks, MGM, Paramount, Universal, Weinstein Company, Adaptation, Adventure, Drama, Family, Horror, Musicals, Period, Comedy, Rumors, Upcoming Releases

Fame: The previously announced remake has just secured its administrative lineup. The film, an update of the 1980 original, will once again follow the lives of students at New York High School of Performing Arts. Those guiding the talented crop include Megan Mullaley, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelsey Grammar and Charles S. Dutton. Debbie Allen - a veteran of the first film - will also join the cast as Principal Simms, an entirely new character.
Click to continue reading Remake News: The Karate Kid, Oldboy, Pinocchio and More
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| Variety
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