Paramount, the studio behind a remake of the 1984 box-office smash Footloose, denies that the movie-musical is on hold in the wake of Zac Efron’s withdrawal from the project. A spokesperson for the studio told EW that Footloose was "still moving forward" but would not comment on reports that Gossip Girl heartthrob Chace Crawford had tested for the lead as Efron’s replacement, saying only that "casting is still in progress." Two separate sources tell EW that Chace Crawford did in fact meet with the project’s director, Kenny Ortega, though it is unclear whether that meeting was an official "screen test."
Yesterday, EW reported that a different source close to the project said that Footloose was in a holding pattern after Efron pulled himself from the lead role (originally made famous by Kevin Bacon). The source also said that Crawford did not screen test to be his replacement last weekend, as an Internet report had claimed. Efron had been attached to the film for a year and a half. But the High School Musical star backed out when his advisers cautioned him against doing another musical and becoming pigeonholed before he had the chance to establish himself in a variety of genres.
More Zac Efron, ‘Footloose’:
‘Footloose’ on hold with Zac Efron out?
Zac Efron cuts loose from ‘Footloose’ remake
Zac Efron’s Day Off: EW Photo Showcase
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Give it up, Paramount. Unless you’ve secured some sort of time travel mechanism and are going to cast a young, hot Kevin Bacon, then a Footloose re-make must be forgotten. Zac is only person I can imagine (besides Kev) who could pull this off. So without him, I have two important words of advice: scrap project!
I don’t see this as a “re-make” and I don’t get people who do. Because they’re making the musical version of footloose, which is quite different from the 80’s, kevin bacon, version. And I’ve backed it since the moment I heard about it. well that is, until I heard Efron dropped out of it. I was pretty disappointed. But I think with the right star, it can totally work. I don’t know if I support Chace as the start of this film. Does he have the singing and dancing chops? I have NO clue! I HOPE so! For that matter, does he have the acting chops? I watch GG regularly and I don’t like Nate too much. I’m still not sure if it’s Chace’s fault or the writers….
How about Derek Hough from dancing with the stars — he did the broadway version.
I still hope that they can still convince efron to do it.
No one is better for this role than Derek Hough. Just cast Derek and start filming it!! The remake is going to be a musical and Derek has already played the part in the theater production in London’s West End to rave reviews. He was spectacular and every critic said he was a star!! He can dance, sing, act, he’s hot, charming and charismatic. Derek was raised in Utah (before moving to London) in a very conservative environment just like the film portrays. In fact, the original was filmed in Derek’s hometown. This role is tailor made for him! Derek also does amazing gymnastics and can do all the flips, jumps, and all the stunts himself without a double. He can truly do it all!
Derek Hough is perfect for this. It’s like this role was made for him. I can’t think of anyone else I’ve seen that is as talented as he is. I think it’s crazy if they don’t get him for this.
We already know that Derek Hough can dance.He is to identified with Dancing with the Stars. The movie should not be made or they need to cast a unknown. Can’t Hollywood come up with any original ideas?
Why do they have to remake this movie? Stop screwing with the classics and come up with your own ideas!!!!
I’m for the unknown