Entertainment Weekly reports that Crawford's scheduling conflicts with his series "Gossip Girl" have forced him to withdraw from the film. Paramount is considering a nationwide casting call, according to EW.com.

Country singer Julianne Hough is still set to play Ariel Moore, and filming is expected to begin this summer. A new director has yet to be named following the October 2009 withdrawal of "High School Musical" director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, who was previously attached.

"Hustle & Flow"'s Craig Brewer has penned the screenplay.

Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, who delivered such films as "Chicago," Hairspray" and "A Raisin in the Sun" for television, produce with Dylan Sellers.

Previous reports stated that new songs are being written for the "Footloose" remake, which will also include many of the hits from the original, including "Let's Hear It for the Boy," "Almost Paradise," "Holding Out for a Hero" and the title track.

The original film starred Kevin Bacon and was later adapted into a 1998 stage musical under the direction of Walter Bobbie.