Jennifer Grey Says She Hopes To Work With Harry Styles In The Dirty Dancing Sequel

Jennifer Grey's career was launched when she co-starred in "Dirty Dancing" with Patrick Swayze in 1987. They had previously worked together in the war film "Red Dawn" before reuniting in the coming-of-age love story.

The low-budget picture was a surprise smash, becoming the first video to sell one million copies, and has since etched its place as a classic. Grey was paid $50,000 for her performance but gained more benefits as the film catapulted her into Hollywood's spotlight.

The showrunners have approved a sequel three decades after she debuted in that legendary role. With preparations already underway, Grey recently revealed that she would want to co-star in the film with award-winning singer Harry Styles if given the opportunity.

During her appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show," Grey was all hyped about returning to the set of "Dirty Dancing" many years after her initial performance. The actress played Frances "Baby" Houseman, the love interest of Johnny Castle (Swayze), delivering a stellar performance that garnered her critical acclaim.

While having the usual chic chat during the syndicated show, Grey threw quite a teaser for fans by revealing who she preferred to be the new love interest Baby, in the sequel, given that a huge age gap now exists between her then-teenage character and Swayze's adult one.

"Here's a question: Who do you think should be the next inappropriate match for Baby?" teased the actress.

"How 'bout Shmarry Shmiles? Somebody who rhymes with Shmarry Shmiles," Grey retorted to her question with a coy answer.

Although it took a brief moment for Barrymore to unravel who Grey was referring to, she eventually exclaimed "HARRY STYLES!" once it clicked and added, "YES, thank you! YES! You're right. Harry Styles — done."

Set in the summer of 1963, the narrative of 1987's "Dirty Dancing" centered on Grey's character starting a whirlwind romance with a gorgeous dance instructor Johnny (Swayze), who she met at the fancy Catskills resort.

As per the deadline, the future sequel will be more of a remake than a whole new story. It would focus on a young woman's experience at summer camp, similar to the original, but with a twist of having Baby's own journey interweave with the present plot in a way that would expose the original classic to this new generation.

While the showrunners have already confirmed that Grey's character is returning in the upcoming film, sadly, Swayze will not be seen as he had earlier passed on in 2009 at the age of 57 after a long-term battle with cancer.

Following Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer originally confirmed in 2020 that a sequel to the iconic love comedy is officially on the way, progress on the picture has been slow. The planned romantic dance drama recently hired "Warm Bodies" filmmaker Jonathan Levine to lead the production, indicating that things have now taken a serious turn.

For the casting, Kelly Bishop, who portrayed Marjorie, Baby's mother, and Jane Brucker, who played Lisa, Baby's sister, might both return. However, Jerry Orbach, who starred as Baby's tough yet loving father, Jake Houseman, will be missing, as he died five years before Swayze.

Aside from the aforementioned possibilities, the showrunners are keeping casting information under wraps, with the only known news being that Grey will return in some capacity to complete Baby's journey.

Since the casting details are yet to be confirmed, fans can still hope that Styles might make a feature in the film in some capacity, even if he does not get to play a Swayze-like character. The singer cum actor has already proven that he has the acting goods after making his acting debut in 2017's Dunkirk and starring alongside Florence Pugh in the upcoming drama "Don't Worry Darling."

More notable is the 28-year-old's portrayal in the forthcoming drama "My Policeman," which also stars Emma Corrin of "The Crown" and Rupert Everett. Following a recent early screening, Styles supporting role is already garnering claims from critics as a potential award winner.

The singer already has a Grammy, a Brit, and an MTV honor as part of his award collection. Now, being tipped for an acting award will be an extra cap for the multi-talented star.