"Hairspray" Star Efron Will Be "Footloose" in Film Remake

By Andrew Gans
July 11, 2007

Paramount is planning to remake the 1984 motion picture "Footloose," according to Variety.

The company is developing the film for Zac Efron, who will soon be seen on movie screens across the country as Link Larkin in the movie musical "Hairspray." Efron also played Troy Bolton in the mammoth Disney hit "High School Musical."

Kenny Ortega, the industry paper reports, is currently in negotiations to direct and choreograph the project, which would cast Efron as Ren McCormack, the role originated on screen by Kevin Bacon. Although the 1984 film featured songs and dance sequences, the plan is to turn the picture into "a full-blown musical."

Footloose was also seen on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where it opened in October 1998, playing 18 previews and 709 regular performances before closing July 2, 2000. Directed by Walter Bobbie, the cast featured Jeremy Kushnier as Ren, the rebellious teenager who moves to a small town where dance is forbidden.

Dean Pitchford penned the 1984 film, which was directed by Herbert Ross. In addition to Bacon, the cast also featured Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Chris Penn, Sarah Jessica Parker and John Laughlin.