Patrick Swayze's Widow Approves of Dirty Dancing Remake

While some fans are balking at the idea of a Dirty Dancing reboot, one person is behind it -- Patrick Swayze's widow, Lisa Niemi.

Kenny Ortega, the mastermind behind the film's original choreography and natural choice as director of the remake, says he's gotten the green light from Niemi, 55, plus the original cast and crew.

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"Jennifer [Grey] and I have been talking and she’s been so supportive, as has Lisa Swayze and [producer] Eleanor Bernstein, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the outreach that has happened from the cast and crew members from the original movie," Ortega told Us Weekly at Wednesday's So You Think You Can Dance finale in L.A.

They've all said 'Go, Ken!'" he added. Swayze was married to actress and dancer Niemi for 34 years before his death in 2009, at the age of 57, from pancreatic cancer.

VIDEO: Patrick's most unforgettable screen moments

The 61-year-old director/choreographer also dished on whom he might cast in the iconic roles.

Melanie Moore, SYTYCD finalist and favorite, was definitely on the top of Ortega's list. "I would elbow people out of my way to work with her -- she is so versatile, so gifted," he said when asked about casting her in the film. But he has his eye on several of the show's alums including season 4's Neil Haskell: "I've admired him since I first saw him dancing on the show."

As for rumors that Justin Timberlake, Derek Hough and Lea Michele are frontrunners for lead roles, he responded simply, "I haven’t read anything yet."

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He's got his work cut out for him to find the right onscreen duo to bring the 1987 classic back to life. "Patrick and Jennifer brought so much, and the chemistry that they had with each other -- I just want to find that match."

And speaking of Grey, fans might see her making a cameo in the new film. "If it’s organic, right and makes sense," Ortega said about bringing her back. "I would love nothing more."

http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmu...remake-2011118

-I'll admit i've never watched the original. Just seems like a chick flick. Maybe they'll cast Robert Pattinson to play Swayze role and Kristen Stewart as Greys character?

Although its not my favorite Swayze flick, That casting idea is disgusting. Some idiot in hollywood would read this and probably try and make it happen. What's next, remaking Road House?

Yeah it is pretty bad choice. I just figured the teenagers like that Twilight crap and a casting agent would think that would bring in the most revenue. Which it probably would

Based upon a specific moment in the film Crazy, Stupid, Love; I think we all know who should get the lead.

-kd5-

Kenny Ortega can't simply be "the original film's choreographer", he has to be "the mastermind behind the film's original choreography."

Soundtrack by Lil Wayne - "Hungry Eyes Baby"

Please, no GLEE involvement.

I totally wasn't thinking of that, and I just saw it. But you are right, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone would be a good choice.

That would be like trying to remake Citizen Kane, won't happen

Some movies should just be left the way they were.

YES. Somebody needs to put this baby in the corner.

Wasn't this already done? Havana Nights?

I think if they keep the story in same decade as the original(50s or 60s I think). IF they don't go the route of oh we have to make it hip and cool by going to modern day, and not go black with the cast like the Karate kid remake. It could have a chance of being decent.