Good news and bad news for those anticipating that big-screen Footloose remake: Variety reports that Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow) has come onboard as the film's newest director afterHigh School Musical's Kenny Ortega left over creative differences (he wanted some big, flashy musical-type movie, and Paramount wanted a toned-down drama). That's the good news, I think. The bad news (especially for you Gossip Girl fans) is that heartthrob Chace Crawford will no longer be starring in the movie due to scheduling conflicts with Gossip Girl.
Fans of the original 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon should at the very least be happy to see Brewer at the helm. He should bring a darker, grittier edge to the remake; perhaps delivering a Footloose that speaks to a new generation without hammering them over the head with an assortment of cheesy musical numbers and shots of Zac Efron's abs. Maybe this will be a cool and hip Footloose; a film to get behind and root for. After all, Brewer proved he could tackle a movie that embraces music and singing without Disney-fying the thing, so I feel this particular remake is finally in good hands.
Now it all comes down to who they cast. Paramount is currently searching for their star, and I wouldn't be surprised if they switch things up and cast an African American in the lead. They did it for the Karate Kid remake, so why not Footloose? With someone like Brewer at the helm, I just don't think they can get away with casting another pretty boy like Crawford or Efron.
What do you think? Who should star in Footloose?
