Remake of Kevin Bacon classic could shoot in spring

Hot on the heels of the $42 million opening for " High School Musical 3," a Zac Efron-centered remake of "Footloose" is now on the fast-track.

The project was first announced in July of 2007, but fell behind "17 Again" and "HSM3" on Efron's slate while Paramount Pictures looked for a proper script.

With Kenny Ortega already attached to direct,"Footloose" is expected to shoot next spring. Paramount has recruited in "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" director Peter Sollett to rewrite Jon Hartmere's script. The studio has also brought in "Chicago" veterans Craig Zadan and Neil Meron as producers along with Dylan Sellers.

Nothing, of course, will happen without Efron's approval. According to Variety, Efron is close to a deal for the film that could include both a mid-seven-figure salary and sign-off rights on the script.

Efron would presumably step into Kevin Bacon's boogie shoes as Ren McCormack, a rebellious dancing-crazed teen who moves into a town where hoofing is verboten.

The 1984 film spawned a bestselling soundtrack that included Kenny Loggins' title track as well hits like "Almost Paradise," "Let's Hear It for the Boy" and "Holding Out for a Hero." Many of the film's tracks were written or co-written for "Footloose" by screenwriter Dean Pitchford, who picked up two original song Oscar nominations.

The trade paper says that Paramount is working on new songs for the remake, but that some favorites from the original are expected to return.

In addition to the current hit "HSM3" and the next spring's "17 Again," Efron will be seen in a more dramatic role in Richard Linklater's "Me and Orson Welles."