Julianne Hough Goes Footloose on Film

Julianne Hough photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

June 22, 2009 — It’s all but official: After much chatter about Julianne Hough’s movie audition, she’s been offered the co-starring role in next year’s remake of the Kevin Bacon movie Footloose.

The only issue is apparently timing. She needs to be available for filming in March 2010, according to both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Paramount Pictures plans to turn the production around in time for a June 2010 release, according to E! Online.

If she accepts, Julianne will star opposite Chace Crawford, the one-time boyfriend of Carrie Underwood. Julianne had her audition with Chace, and the two spoke highly of each otherward.

Director Kenny Ortega, noted for his work in the High School Musical franchise, was also highly complimentary of Julianne.

"I love her," Kenny told E! "I adore her. I'm a big fan of hers — not only how beautiful but how deep her talent goes."

Julianne, who was teamed with boyfriend Chuck Wicks in the most recent season of "Dancing With The Stars," has previously indicated she would not be appearing in this fall’s episodes, though she did leave the door open to return to "DWTS" in the future.

Released 25 years ago, the original version of Footloose was successful both on the screen and in music stores. The soundtrack — featuring Kenny Loggins, Karla Bonoff, Deniece Williams and Bonnie Tyler — spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and was certified by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipments of 10 million copies.

Julianne would not be the only country female Kenny Ortega has worked with. He previously directed a video for Lorrie Morgan.