The Gossip Girl star has signed on for the lead role of Ren McCormack, ending speculation that Zac Efron was going to take on the part made famous by Kevin Bacon - reuniting him with his 'High School Musical' director Kenny Ortega - but pulled out because he didn't want to be typecast as a musical star.

No other casting information has been announced, but Miley Cyrus has been hotly tipped to land the female lead of Ariel Moore, who was originally played by Lori Singer. Amanda Bynes and Hayden Panettiere have reportedly also auditioned for the role.

Watch a clip from the original 'Footloose':

Let's Hear It For The Boy