Chace Crawford: Footloose for five hours

Chace Crawford had a five-hour audition for 'Footloose'. Chace Crawford. The 23-year-old actor admits the interview was one of the most gruelling things he has ever been through, but is delighted to have won the part. USA © Donna Ward / PR Photos

Chace Crawford. The 23-year-old actor admits the interview was one of the most gruelling things he has ever been through, but is delighted to have won the part. USA © Donna Ward / PR PhotosThe 23-year-old actor admits the interview was one of the most gruelling things he has ever been through, but is delighted to have won the part.He said: "It was, like, five hours of the most rigorous tests ever. I walked out very confident."'High School Musical' star Zac Efron was originally in the frame to play lead character Ren McCormack, but pulled out after deciding he didn't want to appear in another musical movie.Chace explained to Entertainment Weekly magazine: "I know Zac, and we're actually friends. He's got to make the best choice for his career at this point, and I have to make the best for mine, and luckily it worked out for both of us."Chace is soon going to embark on a special training regime masterminded by director Kenny Ortega, to ensure he is in the best possible shape before shooting begins next March.Referring to the original movie which starred Kevin Bacon, Chace said: "I don't know if the gymnastics high bar scene is going to make it. I've got some movement in me, but I'm not a dancer. I need to start stretching now!"The movie is going to be a new take on its predecessor, but producer Craig Zadan has revealed some original cast members could make appearances.He said: "The classic hit songs from the movie will be sung. There will be new songs that will be written by new artists, and those will be soundtrack songs."