Zac Efron to Star in 'Footloose' Remake

Wasn't it ALREADY turned into a musical on Broadway? So this would just be following the "Producers" or "Hairspray" re-make path?

Reply

I assume this is not exactly a remake of the previous film, but rather an adaptation of the Broadway "Footloose" musical from several years ago. It's the same path that "The Producers" and "Hairspray" followed: movie, to musical, to movie-based-on-the-musical.

That said, there's still every chance it will suck. The Broadway show was full of catchy tunes but sure was dumb. I seem to recall the energetic dancing was about the only thing it had going for it, and that will surely lose a lot of impact when it's transferred to film and loses the immediacy of live theater.

Reply

If they convince Kevin Bacon play the John Lithgow role I might have kill someone.

Reply

This makes me really, really sad. Think of new ideas, already!

Reply

Yeah, it seems like Monika might have skipped a step in this story--Footloose was a full-blown musical years ago and was pretty successful. It does, indeed, seem logical to suggest a trend for stage musical versions of culty films to turn around and become films again.

I'd just like to know why people are freaking out about Efron. I've never heard of the kid before those Hairspray posters started popping up around town.

Reply

Nothing was missed. Yes, there is a theater version out there, but unless the Variety article is wrong, this is the creation of Paramount, not a re-do of the Broadway musical.

-Monika

Reply

well!i don't understand why you people are just being so negative.Haven't you heard about zac efron before and watched HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL or any of his films yet.He is fabulous and also one of HOLLYWOOD hottest young stars right now,so take a hint and give him a chance.And i don't care what you think,i like any film he stars in.

Reply

Okay, seriously, I'm probably the last person you'd expect to hear this from, but as a parent who's had to watch "High School Musical" so many times I know the songs by heart, I'm all for Zac Efron in a remake of "Footloose." The kid has tons of talent and he's great onscreen -- he has a charisma reminiscent of John Travolta in "Grease" (which I've also watched a LOT lately, as that same daughter of mine is on a "Grease" kick).

Bottom line? Give the kid a chance -- he can dance at least as well as Kevin Bacon did all those years ago, and he sings well too. For what it is (and take that how you will) "High School Musical" isn't a bad film, especially to the demographic it was made for.

Reply

I think that remaking footloose is a MISTAKE. i will not speak to anyone who goes and see zac efron suck up the stage.

Reply

I think this is an AMAZING idea! I LOVE Zac Efron and seeing him in more movies makes me love him all the more!

Reply

okay. I'm not one to even comment like this, but something has to be said.

I think what people are getting so upset about is the fact that they think Hollywood is remaking the movie- they are not. They are making a movie adaptation of the Broadway musical, which is based on the Kevin Bacon movie. Same with Hairspray. First it was the movie by John Waters [amazing, one of the favorites in my personal collection], then it was a Broadway show [double-amazing, one of my favorite shows I've ever seen], and now it is a Movie Musical [amazingamazingamazing, I couldn't control my level of excitment in the theatre- I got chills]. This is what they'll be doing with Footloose. Opening it up to those who haven't seen the Broadway show or even the original movie will give a whole new generation an interest in the theatre and just plain awesome music and acting, period.

When I heard that Zac Efron was going to play Link Larkin in the movie adaptation of Broadway's Hairspray, I almost peed my pants, I was so excited. When I found out he'd be playing Ren McCormick in the movie adaptation of Broadway's Footloose, I actually did pee my pants, because not only was I excited to see this different take on such a treasured story, but I was excited to see Mr. Efron bring to life just another musical theatre icon. I'm really impressed with his artistic decisions so far and can't wait to see what's next for him.

So for all those who are hating this casting decision and this movie idea, I ask you all just to back off. If you don't like Zac, fine. Don't like him. But don't trash something that will change someone else's life- because you know what, someone somewhere will watch that movie [whether it be Hairspray, Footloose, or even frickin' High School Musical] and they'll try out for their school play and then they might be the next Broadway star. At least, that's how it happened for them- John Travolta, Kevin Bacon... the theatre gave them their voice. And I hope that's how it happens for me. Right now, I'm just a Musical Theatre major who has a very deep love for the cinema, but I hope that someday I can be much more. It's thanks to movies and musicals like these that I can even hope to have these dreams.

Think about it.

Reply

Footloose remake with Zac Efron?! Great idea! This will surely be a fabulous updated version of an '80's classic. Can't wait to see who's cast as Ariel and the rest of the actors!

Reply

your overreacting its not a remake on the original film either and its a role in a movie doesnt mean hes like that in real life you can see a difference in troy and link ( two characters he played) and is a pretty good actor and im acctually looking forward to this movie. and kenny ortega look up what he did before highschool muscial he choreographed some of the greatest dance scenes in movie history so word of the wise research your topic and whos in it beforetearing up the idea.

Reply

To clarify for those of you who have not read the Variety source, or who couldn't, because it doesn't seem to be working right now..

Go to this site: http://yahoo.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=55260129-f1d5-41a3-a956-f14bb182e76f

In the article, you will see: "The new movie will have nothing to do with the recent Broadway version of Footloose."

So yes, they ARE remaking the original film, and NOT the Broadway version.

Reply

footloose was filmed in our hometown. where the remake will also be filmed at our high school..where we attend! see ya on the big screen!

Reply

Whatever lady u don't know what your talking about I think that that movie is going 2 be great and also stop wasting your time to write all that on how you are being such a hater and back off hater and I think zac is such a great actor and will do great on that film ! ha

Reply

excuse me, but number one, footloose will never loose its spark. no matter how many remakes are done. and number two if you had done your research you would know that zac happens to be an excelt actor who stared in the new making of hairspray (also a remake) and was a huge hit. so its really quite pathetic that you feel the need to bash him becuase he got his start in a dysney movie and happens to be gorgous. i think it will be a great movie. right now paramount!

Reply

excelent*

Reply

i lurrrv footloose and zac efron so i think this is a great combination :D xxx

Reply

Ok I think this iz an awesome idea even though I havn't even seen the orignal!!! iz it good!!!!!! well i don't care anything with to do wit zac i luv cause he iz sexy!!!!!!!

Reply