The eagerly awaited prequel to 70s musical phenomenon Grease is starting to come together.
Summer Lovin’, which is reported to focus on younger versions of John Travolta’s Danny and Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy, has found its director in the shape of Brett Haley.
The title refers to the fan favourite track of the same name from the original film.
Deadline first broke the news that studio Paramount had brought the 36 year old on board.
Haley’s credits include I’ll See You In My Dreams, The Hero, Heart Beats Loud and Netflix hit All The Bright Places.
Summer Lovin’, which is reported to focus on younger versions of John Travolta’s Danny and Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy, will be directed by Brett Haley (Image: Getty Images)
Now that Haley’s landed the gig, fans are aching for casting news or any other hints about the upcoming film.
The original film became an instant hit upon its 1978 release, based on a stage show that started out in 1971.
It focused on the romance between Danny and Sandy, and cemented on-screen talent John and Olivia as staples of the silver screen.
More than four decades later, the flick remains their most iconic role.
At the time, it became the highest ever grossing musical.
Australian singer and actor Olivia Newton-John and American actor John Travolta dance in a crowded high school gym in a still from the film, ‘Grease,’ directed by Randal Kleiser (Image: Getty Images)
2016 saw a semi-revival with Grease: Live, a live TV adaptation starring Julianne Hough and Vanessa Hudgens.
John recently suffered a devastating loss with the death of his wife of nearly 30 years, Kelly Preston, at the age of 57.
John told that his wife had died following a long battle with breast cancer.
Olivia offered her sympathies to John and their kids Ella and Ben, tweeting a heartbreaking tribute to Kelly.
“Kelly was a radiant, warm and gentle spirit,” she wrote, “a loving, devoted wife, mother and sweet friend.
“My heart breaks for John, Ella and Ben. Kelly’s light shines on in her beautiful children.”
Grease was filmed in 1978 and has gone on to become a cult classic in the film industry (Image: Bettmann/CORBIS)
John himself had written: “It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two year battle with breast cancer. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.”
He added: “Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered. I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive me in advance if you don’t hear from us in a while.
“But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal. All my love, JT.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
