Chace Crawford confirmed for 'Footloose'

Chace Crawford will lead the cast of Paramount's Footloose remake, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

The Gossip Girl star replaces Zac Efron, who dropped out of the project after fearing that he would become typecast in musical roles.

High School Musical 3's Kenny Ortega is directing the Footloose remake based on Jon Hartmere's script. Production is scheduled to begin in March 2010, allowing Crawford to complete work on the next series of Gossip Girl.

Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere has also been rumoured for the movie. She reportedly auditioned for the role of Ariel Moore, a girl who falls for Crawford's rebellious dancer Ren McCormack.