Jennifer Grey is all set to reprise the role that made her a star. On Tuesday (January 27, 2026), Lionsgate confirmed that the actress will once again play Frances “Baby” Houseman in the Dirty Dancing sequel.
Dirty Dancing Sequel Filming Details
Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, who had previously worked on The Hunger Games and Crazy Rich Asians, are producing the film, while the script will be written by Kim Rosenstock, who is known for Dying for S*x. Filming is expected to start later this year (2026).
Jennifer Grey Talks About Her Character In Dirty Dancing Sequel
Talking about her character, Jennifer (65) said it is very special to her and has stayed close to her heart, just like it has for her fans. The original film was released in 1987, and starred Jennifer alongside the late Patrick Swayze.
Further, the actress was quoted by People as saying, “I’ve long wondered where we might find Baby years later and what her life might be like, but it’s taken time to assemble the kind of people that I felt could be entrusted to build on the legacy of the original film … and I’m excited to say that it looks like the wait will soon be over.”
Nina Jacobson On Dirty Dancing Sequel
Talking about the film, producer Nina Jacobson said it is a rare film that still feels just as emotional, exciting and bold today as it did when it was released. She further added that working with Jennifer Grey and Lionsgate on the sequel is a real joy for her and Brad Simpson, and that they feel lucky to come back to Kellerman’s for one more dance.
Jennifer Grey On Honoring The Past Without Repeating It
Jennifer, who is also an executive producer of the film, has spoken for years about coming back for a Dirty Dancing sequel, and the plans for the film were first revealed in 2020.
Later that year, the actress told in a 2020 interview that the sequel would not attempt to recreate the chemistry she had with Patrick Swayze, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 57 from pancreatic cancer, as that kind of magic cannot be repeated. She said, “All I can say is there is no replacing anyone who’s passed — you never try to repeat anything that’s magic like that. You just go for something different.”
