Craig Brewer to direct the remake of "Footloose"

By Siewaun
Reference: Variety

Director/writer Craig Brewer ("Hustle & Flow," "Black Snake Moan") is set to direct the remake of the 1984 musical movie "Footloose" from his rewritten script for Paramount.

Brewer took over the director position from Kenny Ortega "High School Musical," who stepped away due to creative differences and budget just five months before filming was to begin.

Casting for the new lead will begin immediately, after Chace Crawford backed away, citing schedule conflicts with "Gossip Girl," which he has been starring as Nate Archibald since 2007.

The original "Footloose" starred Kevin Bacon as a city boy from Chicago who comes to a conservative small town where rock music and dancing have been banned. Lori Singer co-starred in the movie.

Eben Davidson, Brad Weston, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron and Dylan Sellers will produce the movie.

Shooting is scheduled to begin this summer.