Lisa Niemi Swayze says she read the new Dirty Dancing sequel script and was deeply moved by it, adding that the film finds ways to bring Patrick Swayze into the story. Her reaction comes as the follow-up moves toward production with Jennifer Grey returning as Baby.
“I actually got to read the script,” Niemi Swayze said, adding, “I was very moved by it.” She said she would be curious to see how it comes together and wished the team luck after what she described as a long stretch of work on the project.
Lionsgate confirmed in January that the sequel to the 1987 film would begin production later in the year. Grey is set to reprise her role as Frances “Baby” Houseman and serve as executive producer, while Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are producing and Kim Rosenstock is writing the script. In a January press release, Grey said the role of Baby has held a very deep and meaningful place in her heart, and that she had long wondered where Baby might be years later and what her life might be like.
The project has faced criticism from some fans because Patrick Swayze is not in it. That reaction has only sharpened interest in how the film will handle Johnny Castle, the character he played in the original. Niemi Swayze said she appreciated the way the script approached that issue, and said Patrick’s name still comes up to her all the time. “People will say, ‘Patrick was my favorite actor. I was so in love with Patrick when I was X years old,’” she said. “And I just love it that people still love them so much. You have really good taste.”
Patrick Swayze died in 2009 after a 22-month battle with pancreatic cancer at age 57. He starred opposite Grey in Dirty Dancing, released in 1987, and later appeared in 2004’s Havana Nights in a supporting role. The sequel is now trying to do what few nostalgia projects can: move ahead without pretending the loss is not part of the story. Whether it wins over fans may depend on whether that balance feels respectful when the film arrives.
