It's understandable that a sequel to a beloved film like Dirty Dancing would be met with skepticism, but a recent Dirty Dancing 2 story tease should help ease fan concerns. The original Dirty Dancing, released in 1987, focused on Frances "Baby" Houseman coming of age and falling in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) during one summer at Kellerman's, a resort in New York State's Catskill Mountains. The movie was a critical and commercial hit, garnering Golden Globe nominations for Swayze and Grey and Golden Globe, Grammy, and Oscar wins for Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes' iconic Dirty Dancing climax song, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." Though there was a 2004 prequel, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, as well as a 2017 ABC remake starring Abigail Breslin, neither film managed to reach the acclaim of Dirty Dancing, which still endures as a cult classic with audiences.

The Dirty Dancing sequel was first announced in 2020, with Jennifer Grey set to reprise her role as Baby. In May 2022, Warm Bodies writer/director Jonathan Levine was announced as the director and co-writer (alongside What They Had writer/director Elizabeth Chomko) for Dirty Dancing 2. Other cast members for the Dirty Dancing sequel have yet to be announced, but the movie is set to be filmed in spring 2023 and released on February 9, 2024. Plot details are scarce, though it's said that the sequel will take place in the 90s, three decades after the original Dirty Dancing.

Related: Dirty Dancing True Story: How Jennifer Grey Was Cast As Baby

In a recent interview to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey revealed (via EW) some details about the Dirty Dancing sequel. She confirmed that the film will return to Kellerman's and feature a love story and–of course–dancing, but won't attempt to recapture the same magic as the original. Grey says, "I'm just so super committed and invested in making it a fresh [take]. What happened happened, and that will never happen again. There will never be another Johnny. There will never be another Patrick. This sequel has got to be its own standalone piece." It's good that Jennifer Grey is aware of how special Dirty Dancing was and how it's important for a sequel to be a fresh take that shouldn't try to copy what made the original film iconic. This should come as a relief, as it doesn't sound like the Dirty Dancing sequel will be a retread of the 1987 film.

Could Dirty Dancing 2 Actually Be Good?

Jennifer Grey as Baby on a bridge in Dirty Dancing

It's entirely possible that Dirty Dancing 2 could be good. The mistake that Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights and the 2017 television film remake made was trying to recapture the magic of Dirty Dancing without coming up with their own compelling stories. From what Grey has revealed, it seems like the Dirty Dancing sequel wants to function as a good standalone story instead of just reusing the same elements of the original movie. Director/co-writer Jonathan Levine's comments to Dirty Dancing fans (via Variety) are also reassuring: "And to the longtime ones, I promise we will not ruin your childhood. We will tackle the assignment with sophistication, ambition, and, above all, love.” It's clear that everyone involved in the Dirty Dancing sequel is aware of Dirty Dancing's iconic legacy and is determined to do right by the 80s classic, which bodes well for the upcoming movie.

The Dirty Dancing sequel won't be the same without Patrick Swayze's excellent performance, and Grey is right that Dirty Dancing 2 shouldn't try to recreate the essence of Johnny Castle. However, Jennifer Grey's tease of the sequel story is already a good sign for the Dirty Dancing follow-up. It may not reach the same highs as the original Dirty Dancing, but it already sounds like Dirty Dancing 2 is being handled with plenty of love and care.