May 20, 2009, 9:15 GMT
Chace Crawford will appear in 'Footloose'.
Chace Crawford. The 'Gossip Girl' star has signed on for the lead role of Ren McCormack in the forthcoming musical remake, Paramount pictures have confirmed following weeks of speculation. USA © Donna Ward / PR Photos
The 'Gossip Girl' star has signed on for the lead role of Ren McCormack in the forthcoming musical remake, Paramount pictures have confirmed following weeks of speculation.
Zac Efron was originally set to take on the part made famous by Kevin Bacon - reuniting him with his 'High School Musical' director Kenny Ortega - but pulled out because he didn't want to be typecast as a musical star.
No other casting information has been announced, but 'Hannah Montana' star Miley Cyrus is tipped to land the female lead of Ariel Moore, who was originally played by Lori Singer.
A source said: "They've expressed interest in Miley for the part. She is definitely in the mix."
'She's The Man' actress Amanda Bynes and 'Heroes' star Hayden Panettiere have also auditioned for the part.
In the movie, city boy Ren moves to a small town where rock music and dancing is outlawed. Ren decides to get the laws changed, and during the process Ariel falls in love with him.
'Footloose' is scheduled for release next July.
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