Ortega Backs Out of Footloose

After much disagreement regarding budget and tone, director Kenny Ortega has split from the Paramount Pictures remake of Footloose.

Ortega, who directed all three of the High School Musical movies, had been involved with the Footloose project since its conception, back when HSM star Zac Efron was still on board as the movie’s lead. From the outset, though, Ortega faced conflict with Paramount.

The first issue between the director and the studio was a matter of artistic differences. Paramount was hoping for an edgy drama, while Ortega’s vision saw a film full of choreographed musical numbers. While this matter was one in which a compromise could have been found fairly easily, the second issue was a problem of budgetary difference.

Ortega demanded a budget of $30 million, while Paramount’s production chief was more inclined towards a budget around $25 million. Paramount has now said the actual budget will be less than $25 million.

Paramount had planned on starting production of the remake of the 1984 Kevin Bacon hit in March, which means they will have to start looking for a new director immediately in order to remain on track for the production start.

Ortega not only directed the High School Musical films, but also choreographed the blockbuster Dirty Dancing. With a background in movies incorporating music and dancing, Ortega was a good fit to direct Footloose. Hopefully Paramount will be able to find a new director who can bring the same theatrics to the movie.