Kevin Bacon, the star of the 1984 cult classic “Footloose,” has decisively shut down any hopes for his return to the franchise. In a recent interview with CinemaBlend, while promoting his role in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” Bacon bluntly stated, “Ren is not coming back,” referring to his iconic character Ren McCormack.
The original “Footloose” catapulted Bacon to stardom, telling the story of a rebellious Chicago teenager who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music are banned. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film was a box office hit, grossing $80 million against a $7.5 million budget and earning two Oscar nominations for its original songs.
Bacon expressed little interest in revisiting the role, suggesting that his current project, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” makes “a lot more sense” in terms of a revival. He also pointed out that a “Footloose” remake was already produced in 2011, though it failed to capture the success of the original, earning only $63 million worldwide.
The actor’s stance aligns with a growing sentiment that not every beloved film needs a revival. “Footloose” has already seen various adaptations, including a popular stage musical that has been performed worldwide since 1998. The musical version closely follows the film’s plot and features its original songs, keeping the story alive for new generations.
Bacon’s reluctance to return to “Footloose” comes at a time when Hollywood seems intent on reviving numerous franchises. However, his perspective suggests that some stories are best left as they are, preserving their original impact and cultural significance.
As fans process this news, they can look forward to seeing Bacon alongside Eddie Murphy in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” on Netflix. While Ren McCormack may not be dancing back onto screens, Bacon continues to take on new and exciting roles in his enduring career.
