Jennifer Grey is right that Harry Styles would be perfect for Dirty Dancing 2. The sequel will be a continuation of the original 1987 film, which starred Grey as Frances "Baby" Houseman, a recent high school graduate who falls for her dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) while on a family vacation in the Catskills in 1962. Dirty Dancing was a massive hit, leading to the 2004 prequel Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, which starred Diego Luna and Romola Garai and featured a cameo from Swayze. However, Dirty Dancing hasn't had a true follow-up sequel until now. Dirty Dancing 2 will return to the Catskills, though it'll be set 30 years later in the '90s. Though Dirty Dancing 2 was announced in 2020, the rest of the cast hasn't been confirmed aside from Grey, so this is a perfect time to speculate on other potential casting decisions.
The one-time Friends guest star Jennifer Grey made a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show to promote her memoir Out of the Corner. During an interview, Grey asked Barrymore who she would like to see as a love interest for Baby in Dirty Dancing 2. Grey's personal choice was Harry Styles, though she coyly and jokingly referred to him as "Shmarry Smiles."
Maybe Jennifer Grey was joking around during that interview, but there are a few reasons why Harry Styles would actually be perfect for Dirty Dancing 2. Styles has proved his acting chops before, most notably in Christopher Nolan's World War II film Dunkirk, where critics and audiences were pleasantly surprised by his performance. The singer was able to show that he had talent as an actor, leading to an MCU cameo in Eternals and leading man performances alongside Florence Pugh in the psychological thriller Don't Worry Darling and Emma Corrin in the romantic drama My Policeman. Though Styles might not be the perfect love interest for Baby, he could work as one for Baby's child, if she has one, or perhaps another character at the resort. Harry Styles has already shown his great chemistry with Florence Pugh in the Don't Worry Darling trailer, so picking the right scene partner for him in Dirty Dancing 2 could also lead to sparks. Obviously, Styles can't replace the great Patrick Swayze, but he can bring plenty of charisma to the Dirty Dancing sequel.
Harry Styles would also be great for Dirty Dancing 2 because he's such a talented performer. Before starring in the original Dirty Dancing, Patrick Swayze had prior dance experience in ballet, being trained since childhood by his mother. Though Styles didn't grow up dancing, he does perform some excellent choreography in the music video for his song "Treat People With Kindness" alongside Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge (via YouTube). Swayze learned how to "dirty dance" with help from choreographer Kenny Ortega, and Styles could also be transformed into a better dancer with some assistance.
Harry Styles certainly has a promising future as an actor, and a role in Dirty Dancing 2 could especially be perfect for him. He could bring the perfect amount of charisma to a leading role in the sequel. It would be fun to see Styles share screen time with Jennifer Grey, even if it isn't as a love interest. If Grey's desire comes to fruition, Styles would be a great addition to the Dirty Dancing 2 cast.