‘Dirty Dancing’ Sequel Producer Vows Not to Bring Patrick Swayze Back with AI

The team behind the sequel to the iconic film Dirty Dancing is determined to honor Patrick Swayze’s memory and has no plans to recreate the late actor using artificial intelligence. Producer Nina Jacobson made the announcement.

In the original 1987 film, Swayze played charismatic dancer Johnny Castle, while Jennifer Grey portrayed Frances “Baby” Houseman. Grey will reprise her role in the sequel, which will also feature a younger cast. Swayze died of pancreatic cancer in 2009 at the age of 57.

“We really have to think carefully about how to give the audience the opportunity to grieve for him within the film itself. And don’t worry, we’re not going to bring him back with AI,” Jacobson said at the IndieWire Future of Filmmaking Summit 2026.

Jacobson, who is also known for her work on The Hunger Games franchise, noted that the original Dirty Dancing looks different to her now than it did years ago. She said that when she first watched it, the film seemed like a glossy Hollywood entertainment, but today it feels more like an independent movie.

“It takes big risks and deals with subjects that films don’t talk about as much today,” Jacobson said. One of those subjects is abortion, which the film boldly explored within the framework of a major Hollywood romantic drama.

The plot of the sequel is being kept under wraps.

According to Jacobson, the team hopes to capture the emotional atmosphere of the original while telling a new story about young love that will be equally daring and moving.

“The opportunity to tell a story about young love that tackles difficult subjects while also stirring such powerful emotions felt like an incredible opportunity,” the producer added.

Dirty Dancing was released in 1987 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The film’s success was driven by the on-screen chemistry between Swayze and Grey, as well as its bestselling soundtrack. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “(I've Had) The Time of My Life.”

In 2004, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights was released, featuring a similar storyline set in Cuba.