Although it feels like we’ve been talking about the planned Footloose remake for forever, the production has had trouble getting off the ground. This week, Paramount’s update even took one step forward and another step back.

Five months after director Kenny Ortega walked away from the project, a new director has been tapped. Craig Brewer, the writer/director behind Hustle & Flow, will now be in charge of bringing the story back to life. The movie, which will remain close in plot and tone to the 1984 original, will also be rewritten by Brewer. (Ortega reportedly wanted the film to be more of a musical than a drama.)

Unfortunately, Brewer will likely see an unknown actor playing the role of Ren McCormick. Chace Crawford had been attached to the part for quite some time, but has been forced to drop out of the film. (It’s believed the shooting schedule now conflicts with his obligations to Gossip Girl.) Dancing with the Stars’ Julianne Hough is still expected to play Ariel Moore, Ren’s love interest, though.