Summary
The chances of aFootlooserevival have received a blunt response from star Kevin Bacon. Released in 1984, the musical drama was Bacon’s breakthrough role in Hollywood following his feature film debut in1978’sNational Lampoon’s Animal House. Footloosefollowed Bacon as Ren McCormack, a rebellious teenager from Chicago who moves to a small town and is shocked to discover the local government has banned rock music and dancing. Also starring Lori Singer and John Lithgow, the movie scored generally mixed reviews from critics, but was a box office smash and saw two of its original songs nominated for Oscars.
During a recent interview withCinemaBlendto discuss his role inBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Bacon was asked about the possibility of aFootlooserevival. The star had a pretty blunt answer, confirming that “Ren is not coming back” and expressing that reprising the character is something he’s “not that interested in”. See what Bacon explained below:
Ren is not coming back. I mean, they did do another Footloose. I don’t think a lot of people saw it, but they did do another Footloose. To me, I’m not that interested in… I don’t know. I think that this one [Beverly Hills Cop] makes a lot more sense.
Why Footloose Does Not Need A Revival
It’s Already Been Done (Sort Of)
WhileFootloosewas released 40 years ago, its legacy carries on beyond the big screen. It was brought to the stage in 1998 when a musical version premiered. The musical has been performed on London’s West End, Broadway, and more, with minor plot changes, remaining almost identical to the film version and featuring its original songs. It remains a popular musical to this day, being performed on stages across the world. In addition to a musical, as Bacon mentions, Paramount has already released a remake ofFootloose, in 2011.
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Paramount’sFootlooseremake, starring Kenny Wormald as Ren, stayed largely faithful to the original version, though it was set in the present day. However, the remake failed to see the same success as the original. As Bacon playfully notes, not many people saw it, as it brought in only $63 million worldwide, which, though a success for its $24 million budget, paled in comparison to the original’s $80 million. During the ’80s, a movie likeFootloosewas rare, as young adult movies were first starting to make their mark in Hollywood after the success of 1985’sThe Breakfast Club.
During a time when it seems that almost every show and movie is attempting to get a revival, it’s refreshing to hear thatBacon agrees thatFootlooseshould remain untouched. Besides the fact that it’s already been done, there isn’t a lot of room left to explore beyond the original film’s plot. Dancing and joy has been restored to the small Chicago suburb, and as such, Ren’s dancing revolution isn’t likely needed again. Although a revival is fun to think about in theory, it’s probably best to keepFootloose’s positive legacy intact.
Footloose
Cast
Footloose follows teenager Ren, who moves from Chicago to a small town where dancing and music are banned. He challenges the restrictive culture, aiming to revitalize the community’s spirit.
