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Rex Features
The High School Musical helmer left the project after clashing with the studio about budget and tone, according to Variety.
Ortega, who directed the soon-to-be-released Michael Jackson concert film This Is It, allegedly wanted to stage complex musical numbers on a budget in excess of $30 million. Paramount production chief Adam Goodman objected, insisting that the remake be an edgy drama made for less than $25 million.
A new Footloose director is expected to step in promptly to keep the film on track for a March 2010 production start. Gossip Girl's Crawford and Dancing With The Stars performer Julianne Hough are still attached to star in the lead roles.
Last week, Ortega told the BBC that he had just completed filming a "very successful" test scene for the project.
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At the Movies
This Week's 5 Hottest Movie VideosPreviews of This Means War and The Decoy Bride are among this week's highlights in film.
Movies Interviews
'Journey 2' Johnson, Hudgens: InterviewWe catch up with Dwayne Johnson and the cast of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.
Box Office Charts
'War Horse' retains UK box office No. 1War Horse leads the UK box office ahead of The Descendants and The Grey.
