Why the 2011 Footloose remake traded Utah mountains for Southern grit
In short: Director Craig Brewer aimed to honor the 1984 original while injecting a new, Southern-infused energy into the story of a town that banned dancing. From casting shifts to location changes, the production navigated high expectations to bring a modern, country-tinged perspective to a classic tale of rebellion and grief.
The 2011 remake of Footloose, directed by Craig Brewer, relocated the fictional town of Bomont from Utah to Georgia. Filming took place between September and November 2010, utilizing various locations across the state, including the Newton County Historic Courthouse and the Acworth Presbyterian Church. This setting shift was part of Brewer's broader vision to maintain the spirit of the 1984 original while adding what he called 'Southern grit' to the narrative.
The production process was marked by significant casting changes. Zac Efron was originally cast as Ren McCormack in 2007 but departed in 2009, followed by Chace Crawford, who also left due to scheduling conflicts. Kenny Wormald eventually secured the lead role. Similarly, the part of Ariel went to Julianne Hough after consideration of other actors like Miley Cyrus and Hayden Panettiere. Kevin Bacon, the star of the original film, declined a cameo as Ren's father but offered his support to the new project.
Upon its October 14, 2011, release in North America, the film received mixed critical reception. While some reviewers praised its energy and musical variety, others, such as Roger Ebert, criticized it for lacking the wit and purpose of the original. Despite these varied opinions, the film resonated with audiences, earning an 'A' grade in CinemaScore polls. It grossed $63 million worldwide on a $24 million budget, performing similarly to other dance-focused films of the era like Step Up 3D.
The film's soundtrack played a crucial role in its identity, blending new songs with remakes of original tracks. Blake Shelton provided a country-inflected version of the title song, while the film also featured music from Quiet Riot and Deniece Williams. By integrating these elements, the 2011 version sought to bridge the gap between nostalgic fans of the 1980s and a new generation of viewers.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Footloose (2011 film)
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