It’s been almost three decades since Footloose (1984) made a star of then 26-year-old Kevin Bacon with his breakout role as ‘Ren McCormack,’ the rebellious teenager who moves to a small town where dancing is prohibited. Today, Paramount announced that they have completed principle casting for writer-director Craig Brewer‘s (Hustle and Flow, Black Snake Moan) Footloose remake, after an extensive search for new talent.
Stepping into Kevin Bacon’s shoes is newcomer Kenny Wormald (Center Stage: Turn It Up) who will play Ren – a role that once belonged to Chace Crawford. Singer-dancer Julianne Hough (Dancing With the Stars) will play opposite Wormald as Ariel, the daughter of the small town’s preacher, Reverend Moore (Dennis Quaid). Miles Teller will play Ren’s best friend Willard.
Craig Zadan, the producer of the original film, is set to work with Neil Meron (Chicago), Brad Weston, and Dylan Sellers on the remake, along with Oscar-winning songwriter Dean Pitchford, who wrote the screenplay and songs for the 1984 film.
Paramount Pictures will release Footloose April 1, 2010.
Kenny Wormald as ‘Ren’ Julianne Hough as ‘Ariel’
