The long-awaited Dirty Dancing sequel is moving forward, but many fans feel it won't be the same without the late Patrick Swayze. Lionsgate confirmed in January 2026 that the follow-up to the beloved 1987 movie will begin production later in the year. Jennifer Grey is set to reprise her role as Frances "Baby" Houseman and serve as an executive producer. Hunger Games and Crazy Rich Asians producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are also set to produce the sequel, while Dying for Sex showrunner Kim Rosenstock is writing the script. The original Dirty Dancing saw Baby (Grey) falling in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze) at a resort in the 1960s. Jennifer Grey Smoked Weed Before Filming Sex Scene with Patrick Swayze Swayze died of pancreatic cancer in 2009, leaving many people to argue that a Dirty Dancing sequel should not be made without him. However, Grey reassured fans in 2020 that the film would never try to recreate her chemistry with Swayze. "All I can say is there is no replacing anyone who's passed - you never try to repeat anything that's magic like that," she told People at the time. "You just go for something different." Keep scrolling to learn more about the backlash surrounding the Dirty Dancing sequel: Jennifer Grey Set to Star in 'Dirty Dancing' Sequel Jennifer Grey opened up about reprising her role as Baby in a January 2026 press release. "The role of Baby has held a very deep and meaningful place in my heart, as it has in the hearts of so many fans over the years," she said. "I've long wondered where we might find Baby years later and what her life might be like, but it's taken time to assemble the kind of people that I felt could be entrusted to build on the legacy of the original film." Grey concluded, "I'm excited to say that it looks like the wait will soon be over!" MSDDIDA_EC008 Artisan Entertainment/ Courtesy: Everett Collection Fans Protest the 'Dirty Dancing' Sequel Being Made Without Patrick Swayze Many die-hard fans of Dirty Dancing have expressed disappointment in the follow-up film. "That's disrespectful to Patrick Swayze. Nobody asked for a sequel to Dirty Dancing at all," one user wrote via X. "Who tf want a dirty dancing sequel with no patrick swayze," another fan shared, while a third person posted, "Why? Seriously, why? This is just a bad idea all the way around. Dirty Dancing is a timeless classic that should be left alone. No sequel needed, especially without Patrick Swayze." 'We already had a Dirty Dancing 2," another user wrote, sharing a photo from Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, the 2004 sequel starring Diego Luna and Romola Garai. The film received mostly unfavorable reviews from critics. Pink Ladies and Cool Riders! 'Grease 2' Cast: Where Are They Now? Even those who aren't part of the Dirty Dancing fandom have wondered if this is the right move. "So, I've never actually seen DIRTY DANCING, but I feel like making a sequel without Patrick Swayze isn't a great idea," one user shared via X. Who Is in the Cast of the 'Dirty Dancing' Sequel? Jennifer Grey is so far the only confirmed cast member of the Dirty Dancing sequel. In addition to Grey and Swayze, the original film starred Jerry Orbach (who died in 2004), Kelly Bishop, Cynthia Rhodes, Jane Brucker, Jack Weston (who died in 1996), Wayne Knight, Lonny Price, Max Cantor (who died in 1996), Neal Jones and Miranda Garrison.